Section Principal Double Bass


The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden


Music Director, Royal Opera: Antonio Pappano

Music Director, Royal Ballet: Koen Kessels

Concert Masters: Magnus Johnston, Sergey Levitin Vasko Vassilev


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

Section Principal Double Bass

We invite applications from outstanding players with considerable recent relevant professional experience. The successful candidates will be musicians of the highest calibre who are 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 offers 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.

Full job descriptions and details of how to apply are available on our website www.roh.org.uk.

We intend to hold unaccompanied screened first round auditions in person in London on March 13th, 14th and 17th 2024. Our preference will be to hear 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, March 13th (full instructions for submitting the recording will be sent on request).

Please note we intend to contact candidates by the end of March 1st 2024


First round audition requirements will be:

  1. A piece of standard double bass repertoire of your choice (This doesn`t have to be an unaccompanied piece; piano accompaniment is not required for the audition). Orchestral tuning is required, not solo tuning.
  2. Orchestral excerpts as per enclosed PDF.

We intend to hold accompanied second round auditions (not screened) in London on May 19th.

Second round audition requirements will be:

  1. Either the same or a different piece of standard double bass repertoire (an accompanist will be provided for 2nd round auditions). Orchestral tuning is required, not solo tuning.
  2. Orchestral excerpts as per the enclosed PDF plus additional excerpts to be sent via email.

The closing date for applications is: 9am, February 23rd 2024

Should candidates who are shortlisted for trial work or offered permanent employment not have current UK work authorisation, ROH 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 Orchestra.Auditions@roh.org.uk.




Sorry, this vacancy is closed.