Auditions

 Audition Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026 (daytime) 

Application Deadline: January 21, 2026. All forms must be received by this time. Late applications may be accepted only if space is available. 

NHSO Section Violin 2026 

1. Orchestra excerpts from first violin parts (parts will be supplied):

• Beethoven: Sym. No. 9, mvmt. 3, m 99 – 114
• Brahms: Symphony No. 4, mvmt. 2, m. 88-101
• Debussy: La Mer, Reh. 33 – 6 after reh. 38
• Mendelssohn: Midsummer Night’s Dream Scherzo: beginning to 7 after Letter D
• Montgomery: Starburst, m. 1-28
• Mozart: Sym. No. 39, 2nd mvmt, beginning to m 27 no repeats
• Schumann: Symphony No. 2, Scherzo mvmt. 2, m. 1-54
• R. Strauss: Don Juan, first page

2. Concerto (music not supplied):

• Standard Romantic/20th century concerto – first movement exposition (no cadenza)
• Mozart concerto (3, 4 or 5) first movement exposition (no cadenza)

Section seating is in first or second violin sections as determined by the Music Director and Audition Committee after the auditions are completed.

Audition Information The NHSO does not provide any travel expense reimbursement for any audition. The NHSO reserves the right not to invite an applicant to the audition they have applied for. Audition invitations may be based on submitted application forms and resume. All rounds are held behind a screen. 

Please complete the following items: 

1. Completed Audition Application Form 

2. Deposit check (refundable) in the amount of $30 payable to the NHSO 

3. Updated resume (including dates of experience). 

Send these three items to: 

NHSO Audition Committee 4 Hamilton Street New Haven, CT 06511

The deadline for receiving all materials is January 21, 2026. Forms may also be emailed to: audition@newhavensymphony.org 

Your deposit check is refundable and will be returned to you at the audition. Cancellations must be received by noon two days prior to the audition to be refundable. If you do not notify us of cancellation and you do not appear for the audition, then your unclaimed check will be deposited. 

Copies of the required music will be sent after December 1st, and as soon as completed application materials are received. The NHSO does not provide any travel expense reimbursement for any audition. 

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra, a Regional (per service) Orchestra, is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; an Equal Opportunity Employer; and a National Alliance for Audition Support member. All audition rounds are held behind a screen. 

The audition committee of the NHSO reserves the right to immediately dismiss any candidates not meeting the highest professional standards. Qualified musicians may be 

placed on the substitute/extra list. Auditioning candidates must be eligible to work legally in the U.S. and non-US citizens must show work permission before being invited to audition. 

Contract Information In addition to its eight Classics Series concerts, the NHSO annually produces three Pops programs, Young People’s concerts, outdoor concerts in the summer, and other special concerts and educational services. Rehearsals are usually held on consecutive weekday evenings (and some weekends) in the day(s) immediately prior to the performance day. 

The pay for the 2025-2026 season is $142.00 for section positions. These positions are offered for the remainder of the 2025-2026 season beginning March, 2026. Since they are offered after the start of the season, the guaranteed services and required minimums only take effect beginning on July 1, 2026 for the 2026-2027 season. Contracted members are required to play a minimum number of series per season depending on the number of series offered. The NHSO is a part-time per service orchestra, offering on average 35-50 services per season. In addition, there is a travel pay allowance for players living more than 15 miles from New Haven (maximum of $40 per day). 

The substitute list may be updated with results from any audition. To perform with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, you need to be a member in good standing with your local musicians’ union (A. F. of M.). If you are offered more than 6 services within a season you must join local 400, even if you are a member of another local. 

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra is a Regional (per service) Orchestra and an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

 Audition Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026 (daytime) 

Application Deadline: February 14, 2026. All forms must be received by this time. Late applications may be accepted only if space is available. 

NHSO Principal and Section Viola 2025 

• Repertoire will be available by December 15, 2025 

Audition Information The NHSO does not provide any travel expense reimbursement for any audition. The NHSO reserves the right not to invite an applicant to the audition they have applied for. Audition invitations may be based on submitted application forms and resume. All rounds are held behind a screen. Applicants may indicate that they are auditioning for all positions, or else only for Principal or only for section. 

Please complete the following items: 

1. Completed Audition Application Form 

2. Deposit check (refundable) in the amount of $30 payable to the NHSO 

3. Updated resume (including dates of experience). 

Send these three items to: 

NHSO Audition Committee 4 Hamilton Street New Haven, CT 06511

The deadline for receiving all materials is February 14, 2026. Forms may also be emailed to: audition@newhavensymphony.org 

Your deposit check is refundable and will be returned to you at the audition. Cancellations must be received by noon two days prior to the audition to be refundable. If you do not notify us of cancellation and you do not appear for the audition, then your unclaimed check will be deposited. 

Copies of the required music will be sent after January 1st, and as soon as completed application materials are received. The NHSO does not provide any travel expense reimbursement for any audition. 

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra, a Regional (per service) Orchestra, is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; an Equal Opportunity Employer; and a National Alliance for Audition Support member. All audition rounds are held behind a screen. 

The audition committee of the NHSO reserves the right to immediately dismiss any candidates not meeting the highest professional standards. Qualified musicians may be 

placed on the substitute/extra list. Auditioning candidates must be eligible to work legally in the U.S. and non-US citizens must show work permission before being invited to audition. 

Contract Information In addition to its eight Classics Series concerts, the NHSO annually produces three Pops programs, Young People’s concerts, outdoor concerts in the summer, and other special concerts and educational services. Rehearsals are usually held on consecutive weekday evenings (and some weekends) in the day(s) immediately prior to the performance day. 

The pay for the 2025-2026 season is $191.70 for principal and $142.00 for section positions. If a current NHSO member is awarded the principal position at this audition, then an additional section position may be awarded. The principal position is offered to begin starting with the 2026-2027 season on July 1, 2026. The section positions are offered for the remainder of the 2025-2026 season beginning April 2026. Since they are offered after the start of the season, the guaranteed services and required minimums only take effect beginning on July 1, 2026 for the 2026-2027 season. Contracted members are required to play a minimum number of series per season depending on the number of series offered. The NHSO is a part-time per service orchestra, offering on average 35-50 services per season. In addition, there is a travel pay allowance for players living more than 15 miles from New Haven (maximum of $40 per day). 

The substitute list may be updated with results from any audition. To perform with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, you need to be a member in good standing with your local musicians’ union (A. F. of M.). If you are offered more than 6 services within a season you must join local 400, even if you are a member of another local. 

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra is a Regional (per service) Orchestra and an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

 Audition Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026 (daytime) 

Application Deadline: February 21, 2026. All forms must be received by this time. Late applications may be accepted only if space is available. 

NHSO Section Cello 2026 

• Repertoire will be available by January 1, 2026 

Audition Information The NHSO does not provide any travel expense reimbursement for any audition. The NHSO reserves the right not to invite an applicant to the audition they have applied for. Audition invitations may be based on submitted application forms and resume. All rounds are held behind a screen. 

Please complete the following items: 

1. Completed Audition Application Form 

2. Deposit check (refundable) in the amount of $30 payable to the NHSO 

3. Updated resume (including dates of experience). 

Send these three items to: 

NHSO Audition Committee 4 Hamilton Street New Haven, CT 06511 

The deadline for receiving all materials is February 21, 2026. Forms may also be emailed to: audition@newhavensymphony.org 

Your deposit check is refundable and will be returned to you at the audition. Cancellations must be received by noon two days prior to the audition to be refundable. If you do not notify us of cancellation and you do not appear for the audition, then your unclaimed check will be deposited. 

Copies of the required music will be sent after January 1st, and as soon as completed application materials are received. The NHSO does not provide any travel expense reimbursement for any audition. 

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra, a Regional (per service) Orchestra, is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; an Equal Opportunity Employer; and a National Alliance for Audition Support member. All audition rounds are held behind a screen. 

The audition committee of the NHSO reserves the right to immediately dismiss any candidates not meeting the highest professional standards. Qualified musicians may be 

placed on the substitute/extra list. Auditioning candidates must be eligible to work legally in the U.S. and non-US citizens must show work permission before being invited to audition. 

Contract Information In addition to its eight Classics Series concerts, the NHSO annually produces three Pops programs, Young People’s concerts, outdoor concerts in the summer, and other special concerts and educational services. Rehearsals are usually held on consecutive weekday evenings (and some weekends) in the day(s) immediately prior to the performance day. 

The pay for the 2025-2026 season is $142.00 for section positions. These positions are offered for the remainder of the 2025-2026 season beginning April, 2026. Since they are offered after the start of the season, the guaranteed services and required minimums only take effect beginning on July 1, 2026 for the 2026-2027 season. Contracted members are required to play a minimum number of series per season depending on the number of series offered. The NHSO is a part-time per service orchestra, offering on average 35-50 services per season. In addition, there is a travel pay allowance for players living more than 15 miles from New Haven (maximum of $40 per day). 

The substitute list may be updated with results from any audition. To perform with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, you need to be a member in good standing with your local musicians’ union (A. F. of M.). If you are offered more than 6 services within a season you must join local 400, even if you are a member of another local. 

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra is a Regional (per service) Orchestra and an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

 Audition Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026 (daytime) 

Application Deadline: March 11, 2026. All forms must be received by this time. Late applications may be accepted only if space is available. 

NHSO Principal Harp 2026 

• Repertoire will be available by January 10, 2026 

Audition Information The Principal Harp position is offered as a right of first refusal position whenever services call for a Harp. There are no service guarantees nor minimum service requirements for this position. 

The NHSO does not provide any travel expense reimbursement for any audition. The NHSO reserves the right not to invite an applicant to the audition they have applied for. Audition invitations may be based on submitted application forms and resume. All rounds are held behind a screen. 

Please complete the following items: 

1. Completed Audition Application Form 

2. Deposit check (refundable) in the amount of $30 payable to the NHSO 

3. Updated resume (including dates of experience). 

Send these three items to: 

NHSO Audition Committee 4 Hamilton Street New Haven, CT 06511

The deadline for receiving all materials is March 11, 2026. Forms may also be emailed to: audition@newhavensymphony.org 

Your deposit check is refundable and will be returned to you at the audition. Cancellations must be received by noon two days prior to the audition to be refundable. If you do not notify us of cancellation and you do not appear for the audition, then your unclaimed check will be deposited. 

Copies of the required music will be sent after January 15th, and as soon as completed application materials are received. The NHSO does not provide any travel expense reimbursement for any audition. 

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra, a Regional (per service) Orchestra, is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; an Equal Opportunity Employer; and a National Alliance for Audition Support member. All audition rounds are held behind a screen. 

The audition committee of the NHSO reserves the right to immediately dismiss any candidates not meeting the highest professional standards. Qualified musicians may be placed on the substitute/extra list. Auditioning candidates must be eligible to work legally in the U.S. and non-US citizens must show work permission before being invited to audition. 

Contract Information In addition to its eight Classics Series concerts, the NHSO annually produces three Pops programs, Young People’s concerts, outdoor concerts in the summer, and other special concerts and educational services. Rehearsals are usually held on consecutive weekday evenings (and some weekends) in the day(s) immediately prior to the performance day. 

The pay for the 2025-2026 season is $191.70 for principal. Harp cartage is currently paid $30 per service. This position is offered for the remainder of the 2025-2026 season beginning May 2026. The NHSO is a part-time per service orchestra, offering on average 35-50 services per season. In addition, there is a travel pay allowance for players living more than 15 miles from New Haven (maximum of $40 per day). 

The substitute list may be updated with results from any audition. To perform with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, you need to be a member in good standing with your local musicians’ union (A. F. of M.). If you are offered more than 6 services within a season you must join local 400, even if you are a member of another local. 

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra is a Regional (per service) Orchestra and an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

 Audition Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026 (daytime) 

Application Deadline: March 11, 2026. All forms must be received by this time. Late applications may be accepted only if space is available. 

NHSO Bassoon 2nd/Assistant Principal 2026 

• Repertoire will be available by January 10, 2026 

Audition Information The Assistant Principal Bassoon performs 2nd bassoon parts and in the event the Principal is absent or excused from a Service or Series, the Assistant Principal shall be offered the right of first refusal to play Principal. There is no requirement for doubling; however, if doubling is offered and accepted, additional fees will be paid. 

The NHSO does not provide any travel expense reimbursement for any audition. The NHSO reserves the right not to invite an applicant to the audition they have applied for. Audition invitations may be based on submitted application forms and resume. All rounds are held behind a screen. 

Please complete the following items: 

1. Completed Audition Application Form 

2. Deposit check (refundable) in the amount of $30 payable to the NHSO 

3. Updated resume (including dates of experience). 

Send these three items to: 

NHSO Audition Committee 4 Hamilton Street New Haven, CT 06511

The deadline for receiving all materials is March 11, 2026. Forms may also be emailed to: audition@newhavensymphony.org 

Your deposit check is refundable and will be returned to you at the audition. Cancellations must be received by noon two days prior to the audition to be refundable. If you do not notify us of cancellation and you do not appear for the audition, then your unclaimed check will be deposited. 

Copies of the required music will be sent after January 15th, and as soon as completed application materials are received. The NHSO does not provide any travel expense reimbursement for any audition. 

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra, a Regional (per service) Orchestra, is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; an Equal Opportunity Employer; and a National Alliance for Audition Support member. All audition rounds are held behind a screen. 

The audition committee of the NHSO reserves the right to immediately dismiss any candidates not meeting the highest professional standards. Qualified musicians may be placed on the substitute/extra list. Auditioning candidates must be eligible to work legally in the U.S. and non-US citizens must show work permission before being invited to audition. 

Contract Information In addition to its eight Classics Series concerts, the NHSO annually produces three Pops programs, Young People’s concerts, outdoor concerts in the summer, and other special concerts and educational services. Rehearsals are usually held on consecutive weekday evenings (and some weekends) in the day(s) immediately prior to the performance day. 

The pay for the 2025-2026 season is $170.40 for assistant principal. This position is offered for the remainder of the 2025-2026 season beginning May, 2026. Since it is offered after the start of the season, the guaranteed services and required minimums only take effect beginning on July 1, 2026 for the 2026-2027 season. Contracted members are required to play a minimum number of series per season depending on the number of series offered. The NHSO is a part-time per service orchestra, offering on average 35-50 services per season. In addition, there is a travel pay allowance for players living more than 15 miles from New Haven (maximum of $40 per day). 

The substitute list may be updated with results from any audition. To perform with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, you need to be a member in good standing with your local musicians’ union (A. F. of M.). If you are offered more than 6 services within a season you must join local 400, even if you are a member of another local. 

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra is a Regional (per service) Orchestra and an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

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