Orchestra Victoria

Careers

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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

Marketing Manager (0.8 FTE)

The Marketing Manager is a new 0.8FTE role within Orchestra Victoria's administration team. The Marketing Manager will lead the brand development and event campaign strategies for OV's self-presented program of works. They will work closely with the artistic planning team, musicians, artistic staff and partner companies, contractors and the wider Orchestra Victoria team to deliver audience growth and market presence for our annual program of events. The Marketing Manager will be a motivated and proactive person, with strong creative problem-solving skills, love working strategically, be able to work on their own initiative, take on responsibility and will fit into a small team working to a consistently high standard.

This position is 0.8FTE with a salary range of $75,000-$85,000 pro rata. The role is Melbourne based but may require occasional travel within Australia. To apply for this role, you must have the right to live and work in Australia.

View the Position Description to find out more: Position Description

Apply for this role: Click here to apply

Applications close Thursday, October 30, 2025 5.00pm AEDT

Interviews will be held on November 13 -14 2025.

If you have questions about this role, you may contact Vanessa Pigrum, Acting Chief Executive Officer ([email protected])

Richard Bonynge Orchestral Fellowship 2026 | String Instruments

Orchestra Victoria is offering two fellowship positions in 2026, available to musicians who have completed Bachelor of Music (Performance) or are at an equivalent or higher standard on an orchestral string instrument (Violin, Viola, Cello or Double Bass).

The Richard Bonynge Orchestral Fellowship is a pre-professional program designed to provide training for musicians in working with opera and ballet. Candidates will have the opportunity to work with Orchestra Victoria under the leadership of a variety of world-class conductors, mentored by the orchestra’s talented and skilled musicians.

The successful candidates will each be employed on a fixed-term contract encompassing the Orchestra’s seasons with its partner companies from 20 April - 20 October 2026, at the Tutti Level A Salary. The contract term will include a leave period from 3 July to 27 September 2026 inclusive. Further information can be found by downloading the information pack for this position at the link below.


Eligibility Requirements

  • Completed Bachelor of Music or be of an equivalent or higher standard in Violin, Viola, Cello or Double Bass Performance.
  • Open to Australian and New Zealand citizens and Permanent Residents of Australia.
  • Be aged 18 years or older by the application closing date, Monday 3 November 2025.
  • Candidates must be available to attend their relevant live audition day in person in its entirety.


Important Dates & How to Apply

Stage 1 - Recording Submissions:

  • All application forms and recorded submissions due: 9am AEST, Monday 27 October
  • Results of Stage 1 released to candidates: Wednesday 11 November 2025

Stage 2 - Live Auditions in Melbourne:

  • All instruments: Monday 8 December 2025

How to Apply:

Click here to apply via Musical Chairs

Click here to view the applicant information pack

You must apply first via Musical Chairs in order to receive a copy of the excerpt book.

You will be able to supply your recording file(s) separately to your application form.