Orchestra Auditions

The Woodruff Arts Center seeks applications to be considered for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's orchestral piano, celesta, harpsichord and organ. Successful candidates may be considered for one or more instruments and may also be considered for accompanying the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus in weekly rehearsals, and/or guest artist rehearsals with the Music Director and guest conductors.

Preliminary and Final Auditions to be held September 8, 2025.

All rounds of this audition (including the final round) will be held behind a screen. Employment will begin based on the winner's availability and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's schedule.

This is a non-tenure track position hired on a per service basis. Keyboard is not a part of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Compensation for the 2024/25 Season is $205.94 per service.

Further details will be posted when applications open in June.

Department: Artistic
Reports To: Vice President of Artistic Planning
Status: Part-Time, Hourly ($80 per hour)

Position Role & Responsibilities
The ASO Chorus Accompanist would be expected to attend all rehearsals for both full Chorus and Chamber Chorus, including pre-concert warm-ups. The full chorus rehearses Mondays 7:30-10:00pm in the Atlanta Symphony Rehearsal Hall early September to May or June dependent upon the length of the Chorus season. The Chamber Chorus rehearses Saturday 10:00am-1:00pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church beginning in early October. The frequency of Chamber Chorus rehearsals is dictated by the number of Chamber Chorus performances per season. The accompanist will work with both small and large ensembles in rehearsals. The accompanist must have the ability to meet the entire ASOC/CC choral season schedule plus occasional outside events required. The accompanist will play for all weekly chorus and occasional chamber chorus rehearsals, all auditions, the performance week piano-tech stage rehearsal with the Music Director, Director of Choruses or guest conductors, and all performance week choral warm-up rehearsals.

The ideal candidate for this role has superb solo and ensemble keyboard skills and has a proven track record of working with choral ensembles and an understanding of their complex role in a rehearsal and will be able to demonstrate an understanding of vocal technique. The ability to read full orchestral scores and piano reductions to accompany a wide range of music. Advanced sight-reading skills and excellent facility with reading four part open choral score are required.

They should be adept at relying on their instincts to adapt musical interpretation in support of the Director of Choruses and the ASO Music Director’s vision. The successful accompanist has familiarity with full orchestra scores of the works being rehearsed and the ability to play and think orchestrally in rehearsal (and not be confined to the printed/editorial piano-vocal reductions) required. i.e. what will the chorus actually "hear" from the orchestra when they get on stage.

Additional duties would be by mutual agreement based on need and the candidate’s interest and expertise. These could include running sectionals, playing for soloist & piano rehearsals, coaching vocal soloists or coaching non-English languages.

Work Schedule:

• Flexible work schedule, including nights, weekends, and travel for runouts, overnighters, and tours as needed.
• It is expected that the Chorus Accompanist will be onsite for every ASOC rehearsal and pre-concert warm-up service taking place during the regular ASO season (June-Sept) as well as any community events or performances taking place outside the Woodruff Arts Center. Rehearsal duties include checks-in with Chorus Director before rehearsal services, during breaks and after rehearsal service.
• The Chorus Accompanist is expected to report for work and check-ins with the Chorus Director no later than 15 mins (earlier if requested) before each Chorus rehearsal service, remaining on site and available at least 15mins (more if requested) after each Chorus rehearsal service, unless dismissed earlier by the Chorus Director.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or comparable experience, preferably in music.
• Proficiency in playing piano at an advanced level, including sight-reading, accompanying vocalists, and interpreting complex musical scores.
• Superb solo and ensemble keyboard skills and demonstrate an understanding of vocal technique.
• Ability to read full orchestral scores and piano reductions to accompany a wide range of music.
• Advanced sight-reading skills and excellent facility with reading four-part open choral scores are required.
• Familiarity with a wide range of choral repertoire across different styles and periods, including classical, romantic, modern, and contemporary music.
• Experience accompanying choirs, soloists, and/or instrumentalists in rehearsals and performances, demonstrating sensitivity to balance and musical expression.
• Organ technique a plus for occasional outside events

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is committed to serving our mission by promoting an equitable and inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, appreciated, and free to bring their whole selves to work; and to find intentional ways to grow in our understanding and support of others.

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, class, religion, country of origin, political belief, (dis)ability, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any factor protected by law. Members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Applicants should send a one-page resume which clearly shows competence and prior experience in one or more of the above listed instruments to auditions@atlantasymphony.org.

About the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus is an all-volunteer chorus of approximately 180 voices and a chamber ensemble of 53. There are four to six major performances a year accompanied by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

About the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Under the leadership of Music Director Nathalie Stutzmann, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) offers live performances, media initiatives and learning programs that unite, educate and enrich our community through the engaging and transformative power of orchestral music experiences.

Now in its 79th season, the ASO engages the diverse international community of our city, bringing people together in harmony – including our youngest citizens, with extensive opportunities for youth and families to fall in love with music. Two hallmark education programs celebrate anniversaries this season: the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra celebrates 50 years, and the Talent Development Program – one of the longest-running musical education diversity programs in the country – turns 30.

The Orchestra's range and depth are featured in more than 150 concerts each year, including the flagship Delta Classical Series, Movies in Concert, Family Concerts, Coca-Cola Holiday series and many community and education concerts. The ASO presents many vibrant, wide-ranging events and artists through its Delta Atlanta Symphony Hall Live presentations. Outside of the concert hall, the ASO's Behind the Curtain video concert series enables the Orchestra to reach audiences globally.

The ASO performs with the world-renowned 200+ voice, all-volunteer ASO Chorus, originally founded in 1970 by Robert Shaw, and currently under the direction of Norman Mackenzie. The Chorus is featured on nine of the ASO's 27 Grammy® Award-winning recordings.

About the Woodruff Arts Center
The Woodruff Arts Center is one of the largest arts centers in the world, home to the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre, the Grammy® Award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and the High Museum of Art, the leading art museum in the Southeast. Over 800,000 patrons travel to The Woodruff for outstanding theatre, music and exhibitions each year.

• Audition is for First and/or Second Violin – one or more positions
• Auditions to be held May 27 and 28, 2025
• Download Repertoire List (PDF)

Applications are no longer being accepted due to a high volume of applications. If you are interested in being placed on a waitlist, please send your resume to auditions@atlantasymphony.org.

All rounds of this audition (including the final round) will be held behind a screen. Employment will begin based on the winner's availability and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's schedule.

• Applications are no longer being accepted
• Preliminary/Semi-Final Auditions to be held June 15, 16, and 17, 2025
• Final Round Auditions to be held October 2, 2025
• Download Repertoire List (PDF)
• Audition Information Sheet (PDF)

All rounds of this audition (including the final round) will be held behind a screen. Employment will begin based on the winner's availability and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's schedule.