Our Mission

The Richmond Symphony performs, teaches and champions music, to enrich and entertain communities throughout Virginia.

Dear Per Service Cello candidate,

Thank you for your interest in auditioning for the Richmond Symphony’s Per Service Cello audition. The audition is scheduled for February 3, 2026 in Richmond, VA. Additional audition communication will be sent via email from auditions@richmondsymphony.com. To learn more about our organization, please visit our website: www.richmondsymphony.com.

Repertoire

Repertoire list is posted here. We do not send excerpts for copyright reasons, but will have reference parts on site. Copies of music for audition repertoire will not be provided unless the piece is under copyright protection and/or unavailable for purchase.

Position

The position is for Per Service Cello. Essential duties include performing in our 69 member orchestra and may include performing in public schools, community engagement, and donor events. Other responsibilities are outlined in our Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This position is expected to begin as soon as possible following an offer of employment during the 25-26 season.

The 25-26 per service guarantee is 76 services and compensation is $135.50 per service.

Process

To secure and audition time, please register through the Audition Application and upload your resume. There is no deposit required to secure an audition time. The RSO does not accept recorded auditions. The application deadline is January 20, 2026.

Travel Information

The closest airport is Richmond International Airport. Audition location TBA.

Audition Day

You should plan to arrive approximately one hour prior to your scheduled hour block. As soon as a warm-up room is available an individual warm-up space will be provided. Please do not arrive more than an hour early.

When you check-in for your audition, you will be given the repertoire list for the preliminary round. Excerpts can be provided on site if you may need them. We encourage using your own music, please have it in the same order as the list provided.

All rounds will be screened and a proctor will introduce candidates by number or letter depending on the round. We ask that you wear soft soled shoes so the committee cannot identify candidates while walking in the room. The audition committee reserves the right to dismiss anyone during any round should the candidate not meet the desired artistic level of performance. Taped auditions will not be accepted. Chamber music may be introduced in the final round and Finalists may be asked to perform a trial with the orchestra before a winner is named. The Richmond Symphony does not allow the committee to provide comments.

Eligibility Requirements

The Richmond Symphony is an equal opportunity employer. We employ only highly qualified musicians, who are authorized to work in the United States. Richmond Symphony employees are required to complete an I-9 and to provide corresponding documentation when they begin work, which could consist of a trial period. Failure to do so may result in the forfeiture of a position and/or trial period.

The Richmond Symphony will not delay the start date of this position or trial period for the purpose of securing documentation.

We frequently receive questions about student visas and other documents. For informational purposes only, a list of acceptable documents is included on page 5. Unfortunately, The Richmond Symphony cannot assist with Visa petitions, Visa renewals, work authorization, or similar documentation.

The State of Virginia and Virginia Public Schools, with whom we work regularly, have regulations relevant to this position. Consequently, the Richmond Symphony does not employ those convicted of a felony, any offense involving the sexual molestation, or physical abuse of a child, or a crime of moral turpitude. All employees must confirm they meet these requirements. Employment offers are contingent on a job-related criminal background check.

We welcome you to complete the application process if you meet the above qualifications.

Best of luck!

Kelly Ali he/him

auditions@richmondsymphony.com

Personnel Manager

Richmond Symphony

612 E Grace Street #401

Richmond, VA 23219

www.richmondsymphony.com