Principal and Associate Principal Positions

Darwin Symphony Orchestra is holding auditions for Principal and Associate Principal roles across the orchestra. 

About Us 

Darwin Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is a leading cultural organisation in the Northern Territory and its only symphony orchestra.  

Based in Darwin, DSO is recognised as a centre for distinctive artistic work and aims to present and promote inspirational orchestral music to local, national and international audiences.  

Our location has seen the orchestra deliver artistic and educational programs that are responsive to the Northern Territory’s unique culture and geography for over 30 years. A vibrant and innovative orchestra, DSO has a dedicated group of more than one hundred volunteer musicians and a small core of paid professional musicians. Due to a funding uplift, DSO is able to have all Principal positions in the orchestra paid on a casual basis from January 2025. 

DSO has established a reputation for collaborating with a wide range of artists and arts organisations, broadening our reach and enriching our work. These collaborations centre NT First Nations artists and stories, music, dance, poetry, singing and visual media, giving audiences and participants a distinctive experience that celebrates our cultural context. 

Auditions

Auditions will be held for the following positions:

• Associate Concertmaster
• Principal and Associate Principal Second Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
• Principal and Associate Principal Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon
• Principal and Associate Principal French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone
• Principal and Associate Principal Percussion

The Associate Concertmaster and Principal roles are paid casual positions.

Associate Principal roles are volunteer positions.

Before applying, please carefully read:

These can be found on DSO’s website: dso.org.au/about/employment-opportunities/

THE SELECTION PROCESS & HOW TO APPLY 

All applicants are required to submit an application and undertake a blind audition. For those unable to attend an audition in Darwin, a recorded audition will be accepted.

Following the audition, applicants may have a short phone interview. 

AUDITION 

Each audition will be of approximately 10 mins duration. Candidates will be considered for the Principal and Associate Principal roles in the one audition. 

You are required to prepare the following material for your audition: 

• Four orchestral excerpts, available online from Monday 28 October at dso.org.au/about/join-dso/ 

• One movement of a concerto 

APPLICATION 

Please send an application to dso@cdu.edu.au  which includes the following: 

• A short cover letter (no more than two pages) detailing your response to the selection criteria below 

• Your CV, including two references 

• Your availability for the following audition sessions:
  • Friday 15 Nov 5pm – 8pm (wind and brass)
  • Saturday 16 Nov 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm, and 6pm – 8pm (wind, brass and strings)
  • Sunday 17 Nov 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm, and 6pm – 8pm (strings and percussion) 

Alternatively, if you are unavailable for an in-person audition, please confirm that you will send a recorded audition (see further information for Recorded Audition requirements on our website). 

Applications close Wednesday 6 November at 5:00pm ACST.  

You will be notified of your scheduled audition time by Thursday 7 November.