PRINCIPAL CELLO

Brandon University; Greater Sudbury; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional symphony orchestra in Greater Sudbury is seeking a Principal Cello to lead the cello section and teach at the local conservatory. The role combines performance, leadership, and community engagement. The position offers a minimum total compensation of $45,000 annually, with guaranteed weekly teaching hours. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada and are encouraged to apply by January 5, 2026.

Benefits

Guaranteed teaching hours

Health benefits package

Pension contributions

Qualifications

• Experience in teaching and performing as a cellist.
• Legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Ability to lead a cello section in orchestral settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead the cello section in all rehearsals and performances.
• Deliver workshops and educational programming.
• Build and maintain a private teaching studio.

Skills

Leadership

Community engagement

Teaching experience

Performing arts

Job description

The Sudbury Symphony Orchestra announces the following vacancy:

PRINCIPAL CELLO

Annual Compensation: Minimum $45,000 total compensation, including instrumental services, guaranteed 15 hours/week of lessons, vacation pay and pension contributions.

The SSO Principal Cellist plays approximately 57 Performance Services in the season and additionally participates in approximately 28 Education/Outreach services. The 2025-26 per-service rate is $175 for Performance Services and $150 for Education/Outreach services, plus vacation pay and pension contribution of 7% made by the employer to the Musicians’ Pension Fund of Canada.

This role is covered under a Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM) Collective Bargaining Agreement, and is eligible for a Health Benefits package.

In the first year of the Principal Cello contract, the Sudbury Symphony will provide a guaranteed 15 hours per week of teaching salary, so that the 1st year minimum salary, combining SSO services and teaching hours is $45,000, including pension contributions and vacation pay.

Position Overview

The Sudbury Symphony Orchestra (SSO) Principal Cellist position is a unique opportunity for an artist-educator to blend performance, teaching, leadership and community engagement. The successful candidate will lead the cello section of the orchestra, perform chamber music as part of the SSO Chamber Series, teach at the Sudbury Symphony Music Conservatory, and help foster a love of classical music across Greater Sudbury.

During their first season, the Principal Cellist will have guaranteed teaching hours to support the development of their studio. The growing city of Greater Sudbury provides a diverse range of opportunities to develop a thriving studio for teaching private and group lessons. With few professional cellists currently in the region, there is a built‑up need for cello instruction. Sudbury is a center of mining & robotics innovation, hosts Collège Boréal, Cambrian College and Laurentian University, has six provincial parks within an hour’s drive, 330 lakes within the city’s limits, and offers a mix of rural, suburban and urban living. It is also home to a dynamic cultural community with a new state‑of‑the‑art performance centre at Place des Arts and a thriving Francophone community. The SSO schedule allows time for engaging in other ensembles and freelance opportunities in the region.

• Lead the cello section in all SSO rehearsals and performances, including subscription concerts, special engagements, and leading sectionals.
• Work closely with the Music Director and principal musicians to maintain and elevate the orchestra’s artistic standards.
• Rehearse and perform chamber music in the SSO Chamber Series concerts.
• Build and maintain a private teaching studio, teaching weekly cello lessons through the Sudbury Symphony Music Conservatory.

Education & Community Engagement

• Deliver school visits, workshops, educational programming, and outreach concerts throughout Greater Sudbury.
• Lead and participate in masterclasses and public education sessions.
• Act as a musical ambassador for the SSO and SSMC.

Audition and Selection Process

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

1. Application/First Round:
   • Submit the following materials to [e-mail] by 11:59 PM January 5, 2026:
     
     • Statement of Interest
     • Curriculum vitae
     • Link to video recording of your audition with high‑quality audio (all in 1 take) featuring listed Audition Repertoire.
   • We recommend posting the video as an unlisted YouTube or Vimeo video.
   • The audition panel will only hear the audio of the audition. Video will be used by administrative personnel to verify identity.
2. Second Round:
   • Shortlisted candidates will be invited to Sudbury for a paid performance week leading the SSO cello section.
   • This week will include:
     • Rehearsals and performances with the SSO
     • Supervised trial lessons with Conservatory students
     • Delivery of a masterclass and/or educational program in the community
     • A formal interview

The Sudbury Symphony Orchestra is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented communities.

This opportunity is proudly supported by Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and is funded through the Workforce Development Program. Position details are dependent upon confirmed funding.