Principal Bass
Our Mission
The Richmond Symphony performs, teaches and champions music, to enrich and entertain communities
throughout Virginia.
Dear Principal Bass candidate,
Thank you for your interest in auditioning for the Richmond Symphony’s Principal Bass position. The audition
is scheduled for May 12 -13, 2026 in Richmond, VA. To learn more about our organization, please visit our
website: www.richmondsymphony.com.
Repertoire
The repertoire list will be posted soon. 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 Principal Bass. 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 September ‘26.
The 25-26 Principal salary is $54,958.97.
Process
To secure an 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 April 14, 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