Careers
Photo Kate Longley
Orchestra Victoria is one of only two highly specialised Ballet and Opera orchestras in Australia and is the proud performance partner of The Australian Ballet, Opera Australia and Victorian Opera.
Interested in working in one of Australia’s most innovative orchestras, in one of the world’s most liveable cities? Orchestra Victoria is a performance partner of Australia’s national ballet company, The Australian Ballet, and national opera company, Opera Australia. The orchestra also has a rich performance life beyond the pit, providing music festivals, orchestral concerts and education programs, across the beautiful state of Victoria.
Orchestra Victoria was established in 1969 as The Elizabethan Trust Orchestra. Over the next decade, the orchestra expanded both its numbers and repertoire as it accompanied some of the world's leading performers, including Rudolf Nureyev and Dame Joan Sutherland, and worked with renowned conductors such as Richard Bonynge, Stuart Challender, Carlo Felice Cillario, and John Lanchbery.
Orchestra Victoria offers:
- Excellent salaries
- Performances opportunities in the greatest of opera, ballet, symphonic and chamber music repertoire
- A very exciting and friendly working environment
- World-class health and well-being programs for musicians
For more information, please contact [email protected].
CURRENT VACANCIES
Principal Piccolo
Orchestra Victoria seeks a musician of outstanding leadership and ability for the full-time position of Principal Piccolo.
The salary for this position as a Level A Principal Musician starts at $90,404.38 per annum plus superannuation and allowances. This position is offered as a full-time maximum term contract (2-years) to permanency arrangement, subject to a trial period in accordance with the OV EBA.
Audition dates: Monday 21 July and Tuesday 22 July 2025
Eligibility: Applications are open to Australian and New Zealand citizens and Permanent Residents of Australia only.
Excerpts publish date: Monday 19 May 2025
Applications close: 23:59 AEST, Monday 30 June 2025
Recorded Auditions due: 9am AEST, Monday 14 July 2025
Please see our recorded audition guidelines on the Musical Chairs advert page.
All applicants must complete the application form via Musical Chairs: Click here to apply
Audition information and application details here: Audition Information Pack
Please email any questions to Nikki Bassani, Director of Orchestra Management: [email protected]
Associate Principal Timpani / Tutti Percussion
Orchestra Victoria seeks a musician of outstanding leadership and ability for the full-time position of Associate Principal Timpani / Tutti Percussion.
The salary for this position as a Level A Associate Principal Musician starts at $90,404.38 per annum plus superannuation and allowances. This position is offered as a full-time maximum term contract (2-years) to permanency arrangement, subject to a trial period in accordance with the OV EBA.
Audition dates: Thursday 31 July and Friday 01 August 2025
Warm-up day on OV instruments: Wednesday 30 July 2025
Eligibility: Applications are open to Australian and New Zealand citizens and Permanent Residents of Australia only.
Excerpts publish date: Friday 27 June 2025
Applications close: 23:59 AEST, Thursday 10 July 2025
Recorded Auditions due: 9am AEST, Friday 25 July 2025
Please see our recorded audition guidelines on the Musical Chairs advert page.
All applicants must complete the application form via Musical Chairs: Click here to apply
Audition information and application details here: Audition Information Pack
Please email any questions to Nikki Bassani, Director of Orchestra Management: [email protected]
Section Principal Double Bass
Orchestra Victoria seeks a musician of outstanding leadership and ability for the full-time position of Section Principal Double Bass
The salary for this position as a Level A Section Principal Musician starts at $95,670.29 per annum plus superannuation and allowances. This position is offered as a full-time maximum term contract (2-years) to permanency arrangement, subject to a trial period in accordance with the OV EBA.
Audition dates: Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 August 2025
Eligibility: Applications are open to Australian and New Zealand citizens and Permanent Residents of Australia only.
Excerpts publish date: Tuesday 01 July 2025
Applications close: 23:59 AEST, Tuesday 05 August 2025
Recorded Auditions due: 9am AEST, Tuesday 19 August 2025
Please see our recorded audition guidelines on the Musical Chairs advert page.
All applicants must complete the application form via Musical Chairs: Click here to apply
Audition information and application details here: Audition Information Pack
Please email any questions to Nikki Bassani, Director of Orchestra Management: [email protected]
Tutti Cello
Orchestra Victoria seeks a musician of outstanding ability for the full-time position of Tutti Cello.
The salary for this position as a Level A Tutti Musician starts at $77,237.40 per annum plus superannuation and allowances. This position is offered as a full-time maximum term contract (2-years) to permanency arrangement, subject to a trial period in accordance with the OV EBA.
Audition dates: Wednesday 3 September and Thursday 4 September 2025
Eligibility: Applications are open to Australian and New Zealand citizens and Permanent Residents of Australia only.
Excerpts publish date: Wednesday 9 July 2025
Applications close: 23:59 AEST, Wednesday 6 August 2025
Recorded Auditions due: 9:00am AEST, Wednesday 27 August 2025
Please see our recorded audition guidelines on the Musical Chairs advert page.
All applicants must complete the application form via Musical Chairs: Click here to apply
Audition information and application details here: Audition Information Pack
Please email any questions to Nikki Bassani, Director of Orchestra Management: [email protected]