The South Netherlands Philharmonic is passionate about reaching out to and touching people with classical music. The orchestra is the only professional symphony orchestra in the south of the Netherlands as well as one of the largest in the country and seeks to connect with all its residents of North Brabant, Limburg and Zeeland. The South Netherlands Philharmonic achieves this through a diverse range of activities, such as large symphonic concerts with popular repertoire in our beautiful concert halls, new concert formulas in unexpected locations, film projects, ancient masterpieces as well as exciting world premieres. Our business events establish commercial connections with the region and the educational projects allow young people and school children to experience magical moments with music. The South Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra is an orchestra for everyone: a vibrant community that performs at the highest level with inspired musicians and committed staff members. From season 21-22 Duncan Ward is our chief conductor. Under the direction of intendant Stefan Rosu, the South Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra is an orchestra that continuously pushes its boundaries in all aspects of its ambitions. 

We are looking for:

Principal Viola 75% (with lower chair obligation)

Audition 26 April  2023 Muziekgebouw Eindhoven

(with possible pre selection on the same day)

What does the position entail? 

As section leader besides playing your part in the orchestra, you are also required to play the orchestral solo's belonging to this position. You are also leader of your group. Not only top class playing but also inspirational group leadership are among your capabilities. In addition to your tasks on stage, you will be employable more broadly within the orchestra for (educational, innovative and representative) activities that contribute to the orchestra’s efforts to bridge the gap with society. As a representative of your group, you will actively engage in section leaders’ meetings, you will organize and chair your section meetings, and you will conduct performance interviews with your section members. You are asked to stimulate a good and collegial collaboration and, if necessary, to discuss and arrange matters with the management or (managers of) staff teams. 

Which qualities do we require? 

Naturally, you are an excellent musician with demonstrable solo-playing capabilities. Previous experience as a section leader is a plus. In addition, you are prepared to use all your talents and skills – also beyond the artistic scope – in service of the orchestra. You are a team player with a good sense of collaboration. You possess good communication skills and a coaching leadership style. 

What can the South Netherlands Philharmonic offer?  

A contract for a certain period of time, the so-called trial period, within which two evaluations will take place. In the case of mutual satisfaction and positive assessments, the contract will be prolonged. Primary and secondary employment conditions are based upon the collective labour agreements for Dutch orchestras. Furthermore, we offer a variety of opportunities for further self-development as a musician or schooling in other activities that contribute to a sustainable employability. 

Selection procedure

Response

You can respond to this function by no later than 10 March 2023, only by email. Please send us your motivational letter and CV in Dutch or English to, c/o the orchestra inspector Hélène Maurits at helene.maurits@philharmoniezuidnederland.nl. For further information, please contact Mrs Maurits at +31 (0)88 166 07 32. 

Auditions

Auditions will take place on 26 April 2023 in Eindhoven. 

Auditions will consist of three rounds: progression to each following round is by means of the trial committee’s assessment. For each round, you may be asked to play several orchestral excerpts; the scores will be sent to you along with the invitation to auditions. In the final round, we will conduct a short interview to assess your leadership qualities. A leadership assessment can become part of the selection procedure.

Obligatory pieces

Stamitz or Hoffmeister concerto D-Dur, 1st movement incl. Cadenza

and Bartok or Walton concerto, 1st movement, or Hindemith Schwanendreher, 1st movement

and orchestra excerpts

Further information

The selection committee retains its right to make a pre-selection of candidates based on the provided, textual information. Fees will be determined according to the national collective labour agreements of Dutch orchestras. With this recruitment and selection procedure, the South Netherlands Philharmonic pays heed to Wav (Wet arbeid en vreemdelingen) and appendage laws and regulations. This vacancy is open to all nationalities.