The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden

Music Director Designate, Royal Opera: Jakub Hrusa

Music Director, Royal Ballet: Koen Kessels

Concertmasters: Vasko Vassilev, Magnus Johnston, Sergey Levitin

The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House is seeking to appoint to the position of:

Section Principal Bassoon

We invite applications from outstanding players with considerable recent relevant professional experience. The successful candidate will be a musician of the highest calibre who is self-motivated, reliable and versatile with the ability to work under pressure as part of an established team.

The terms and conditions of employment for this position offer some flexibility in workload and schedule. This is a permanent salaried position.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and value the positive impact that difference has on our teams. In line with the `Hiring and recruitment in UK Orchestras; Good practice recommendations, 10 point action plan` developed by Black Lives in Music, the Musicians` Union, and the Association of British Orchestras, we will be conducting screened first round auditions to encourage and promote undiscovered talent.

A full job description and details of how to apply are available on our website Royal Opera House Careers - Vacancy List

Auditions will be held in London as follows:

First rounds: Tuesday 1^st July, Wednesday 2^nd July and Thursday 3^rd July 2025

Second rounds: Tuesday 9^th September and Monday 15^th September 2025

Our preference will be to hear first round candidates in person, but should you be unable to attend on the scheduled dates we will accept a recorded audition to be submitted by 9am, Thursday 26^th June 2025 (full instructions will be sent to shortlisted candidates).

Second round auditions will be in person only.

All applications with be anonymised for shortlisting purposes.

The format of the auditions will be:

First round (behind screens):

1. Mozart Bassoon Concerto 1^st movement only (no cadenza)
2. Orchestral excerpts only as per enclosed PDF.

Second round (unscreened with piano accompaniment. RBO will provide an accompanist, but candidates should bring their own piano part).

1. Mozart Bassoon Concerto 1^st and 2^nd movements (no cadenzas)
2. Orchestral excerpts to be sent to candidates

The closing date for applications is: Thursday 12^th June 2025 at 9am

Please note we will aim to contact shortlisted candidates by the end of Friday 20^th June.

Should candidates who are shortlisted for trial work or offered permanent employment not have current UK work authorisation, RBO will provide support in obtaining the necessary permission to work depending on individual circumstances. Please contact us at the relevant point in the recruitment process if this applies to you.

If you have any questions regarding this position please e-mail [email protected].