Section Principal Bass

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Instrument insurance scheme

Remedial health subsidy

Five weeks annual leave

Nine days mid-year break

Job summary

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra invites expressions of interest for the position of Section Principal Double Bass. This is a unique opportunity to join a supportive, collaborative orchestra that values exceptional artistry and the contribution of every musician.

Led by internationally acclaimed Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth, the ASO brings together exceptional musicians and some of the world’s leading conductors, soloists and creative artists.

Job description

Application instructions

Commencing 2027

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra invites expressions of interest for the position of Section Principal Double Bass. This is a unique opportunity to join a supportive, collaborative orchestra that values exceptional artistry and the contribution of every musician. Led by internationally acclaimed Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth, the ASO brings together exceptional musicians and some of the world’s leading conductors, soloists and creative artists. It’s a place to grow your artistry, contribute your voice and help shape an ambitious new chapter for the orchestra. We believe great music belongs to everyone. From the concert hall to classrooms, recording studio to communities, your work will make a difference to thousands of people. And you’ll do it from Adelaide – one of Australia’s great cultural cities, home to internationally renowned festivals, great food and wine, a thriving arts community and an enviable quality of life. We are committed to supporting our musicians on and off the stage.

• In addition to a generous instrument insurance scheme and remedial health subsidy program, Orchestra members receive five weeks of annual leave and a paid mid-year break of at least nine days.

Closing date for applications: 5pm, Wednesday 14 October 2026.

Recordings:

Required Work: First movement of a standard concerto, with or without piano accompaniment, performed in orchestral tuning. The ASO tunes to A441Hz. Digital recordings made on phones are acceptable, and recording should contain both audio and video.

Submission instructions: Please label your recording submission with your name and contact details and submit via Dropbox to [e-mail] with [e-mail] and [e-mail] on copy.

Assessment Process

Completed applications, including recordings, must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday 14 October 2026. Applications will be assessed on Wednesday 28 October 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be invited, in priority order, to play in the position for a short assessment period. As part of the assessment, they also will be required to perform a short recital that includes selected orchestral passages. Each shortlisted candidate will be offered a three-week invitation period. The timing will be arranged according to the candidate’s availability and the ASO calendar. The ASO will seek to schedule a mutually agreeable time for the candidate to perform with the orchestra within six months of the invitation being issued. During the invitation period, the candidate will be required to play with the orchestra and perform a recital for ASO members.

Recital works: The recital will comprise 15 minutes of repertoire chosen by the candidate, plus the orchestral excerpts listed below.

• 1. Haydn - Symphony No. 31 - (4th movement solo with repeats).
• 2. Stravinsky - Pulcinella solo (No.7).
• 3. Mozart - Symphony No.40 (1st movement excerpt).
• 4. Beethoven - Symphony No. 9 (Recitative from the 4th movement).
• 5. Strauss - Ein Heldenleben (Figure 9: 'Lebhaft bewegt').
• 6. Britten - Variations on a theme of Frank Bridge (March).

If a successful candidate is identified at any stage, they will proceed to a trial in the position, and the invitation process may cease.

Travel/Accommodation for Invitation periods

Musicians invited to play with the ASO will be provided with one economy class airfare from their places of residence, including instrument freight. International return travel will be provided from the closest international airport in the candidate’s country of residence. The ASO is pleased to offer accommodation and travel allowances in Adelaide for the duration of the trial period.

Further Information:

For further information on this position please see the separate ‘General Information Document’ at www.aso.com.au.