Orchestral Vacancies
The following orchestral positions are open to applicants. If you wish to apply to audition for one of the vacancies listed below, please email an expression of interest and a one-page CV to Orchestra Wellington at auditions@orchestrawellington.co.nz.
Violin 1, Principal (second chair)
Violin 1, rank & file (sixth chair)
Violin 2, Section Principal (first chair)
Violin 2, Sub-principal (third chair)
Violin 2, rank & file (fourth chair)
Viola, Section Principal (first chair)
Viola, Sub-principal (third chair)
Double Bass, Sub-principal (third chair)
Oboe, Section Principal (first chair)
French Horn, Principal (second chair)
Trumpet, Principal (second chair)
Percussion, Principal (second chair)
About Orchestra Wellington
Based in Wellington, New Zealand, Orchestra Wellington boasts a rich history as New Zealand’s oldest regional orchestra. Founded in 1948, Orchestra Wellington has been recognised as one of New Zealand's top arts organisations.
The city’s mayor, business and community leaders are all proud supporters of our orchestra. Orchestra Wellington was a finalist in the 2016 Wellington Gold Business Awards in recognition of our rapid growth, innovative marketing, and strong identity. In 2020 we were recipients of The Wellington Gold Awards' 2020 Citation: A Resilience Showcase "for outstanding resilience and adaptability during and after the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020" in recognition of the genesis of our annual Classical on Cuba festival.
In 2024 Orchestra Wellington was awarded the Cultural Excellence & Community Impact Award - New Zealand by LUXLife Magazine Creative & Visual Arts Awards, and the Best Live Performing Progressive Orchestra - New Zealand by Corporate Vision Global Business Awards.
Thanks to bold and imaginative programming, accessible ticket pricing, and high artistic standards, the Orchestra has attracted one of the largest and most consistent audiences in the country. Our goal is to be the most accessible orchestra in the country. We want people from all walks of life to experience the thrill of live orchestral music through a number of accessibility initiatives and an array of community outreach concerts. We don’t restrict ourselves to the concert halls, taking our music to the streets and performing in iconic Wellington locations such as Cuba Street, Civic Square, the Botanical Gardens and Government House.
Orchestra Wellington is proud to uphold a strong commitment to families and communities, performing most of their engagements outside the concert hall and in the communities they serve. Through free and subsidised educational performances in schools across the region, partnerships with community-based music education programmes and initiatives, and support of community events such as Classical on Cuba, CubaDupa, and PRIDE, Orchestra Wellington performs for thousands of children and families every year.
Orchestra Wellington is more than just the music.
We are PLAYING FOR YOU.
We are an equal opportunity employer.
Everyone is welcome at Orchestra Wellington!
We feel strongly that the diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and individual contributions of our employees are an integral part of what makes the arts relevant, accessible, meaningful, impactful, and sustainable.
We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusiveness and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and promotes these values.
We encourage open and continuous conversation between musicians and administration, and continually evaluate how to best foster an environment which allows all employees to perform their roles in a safe and supportive environment.