The NZSO is at the pinnacle of orchestral achievement in Aotearoa New Zealand and is recognised as an orchestra of international standing.

We continue to grow and develop artistically, taking a challenging and varied programme of music to communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. One of the world’s oldest national symphony orchestras, we have charmed audiences with memorable concerts and recordings for over 75 years.

We are recruiting for the position of Principal Bass Clarinet here at the NZSO. Candidates should display the highest level of ability and musicianship to apply.

These auditions are only open to those candidates with the right to work in New Zealand for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra at the time of application

IMPORTANT DATES

• Applications for live auditions close: Tuesday 15 April 2025

• Recorded auditions due by: Tuesday 15 April 2025

• Live audition date: Monday 28 April 2025 (Wellington, NZ)

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Download audition requirements here.

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra tunes at A440.

Auditions, both live and recorded, will be unaccompanied.

LIVE AUDITIONS

Live auditions will take place on Monday 28 April 2025 in Wellington, New Zealand. Candidates will be advised on arrival at the audition which excerpts will be required.

RECORDED AUDITIONS

If you are unable to travel to Wellington, New Zealand for the live auditions, you may submit a filmed audition recording. Only recordings that follow the following requirements will be accepted:

• Audition recordings must be video and audio

• Auditions must be recorded unaccompanied. Please tune to A440

• Auditions must be recorded on the same day, in the same venue, and be recorded within the last 3 months

• Each individual audition item, i.e. each solo and each excerpt, must be recorded in one unedited single take without cuts, substitutions or effects

• Each individual audition item (solos and excerpts), must be submitted in a separate file, with filenames as per the Audition Requirements document

• We recommend using a high quality microphone in a professional recording environment.

HOW TO APPLY

All applicants must complete the online application form linked below by Tuesday 15 April 2025.

Candidates who request to submit a recorded audition will be emailed a link to submit their audition recordings.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The successful candidate/s will be invited to play for a trial period with the orchestra. You will be notified of the results soon after the live audition date.

If you have any queries or require details of conditions and remuneration, please do not hesitate to contact us at auditions@nzso.co.nz. We look forward to receiving all applications and recorded auditions by Tuesday 15 April 2025.