IS

Principal Second Violin

The application deadline is 28 October 2026.
Applicants will be notified of the results of the first round on 3 November 2026.

 

The Iceland Symphony Orchestra invites applications for the position of Principal Second Violin.
The first round of the audition (video round) will be conducted by video submission.
The application deadline is 28 October 2026. Applicants will be notified of the results of the first round on 3 November 2026.

The subsequent rounds of the audition will take place at Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavík, on 7 December 2026, commencing at 9:00 a.m.

Applications should be submitted by email to the HR Manager at starf@sinfonia.is and must include:

  • A curriculum vitae
  • Copies of relevant diplomas
  • A link to the video recording for the first round

First Round – Video Audition
In the first round, applicants are required to perform the following:

  1. Mozart – Violin Concerto No. 3, 4, or 5: 1st movement, exposition and cadenza.
  2. Mozart – Die Zauberflöte, Overture: mm. 16–59, Violin II.
  3. Mahler – Symphony No. 9: Movement II, mm. 424–444, Violin II.
  4. Stravinsky – The Rite of Spring: Reh. [71]–7 mm after [78], Violin II.
  5. Strauss – Don Juan: Beginning–14 mm after [C], Violin I.

The music for the first round is available here.

Subsequent Rounds – Live Audition
The subsequent rounds will take place at Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavík, on 7 December 2026. 

Applicants will be required to perform the following:
Solo Repertoire
1st movement, exposition and cadenza from one of the following violin concertos:
- Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, Beethoven, or Dvořák.

Chamber Music
Mozart: String Quartet in C major, K. 465, “Dissonance”
1st movement, Violin I.
The music is available here.

Orchestral Excerpts
Information about the orchestral excerpts is available here.

Recording Requirements

  • The performance must be unaccompanied and in orchestral tuning.
  • The video must be recorded in one continuous take, in the order listed above, with no editing.
  • The applicant must remain clearly visible throughout the recording.
  • Short pauses for tuning the instrument or adjusting equipment are permitted, but the camera must remain on throughout.
  • Smartphone recordings are acceptable.
  • The sound quality must be clear and of good quality. If an external microphone is used, it should be positioned appropriately.
  • The recording must be made in landscape orientation, with both the performer and the instrument clearly visible at all times.

Submission Instructions

  • Upload the video to YouTube as an “unlisted” video.
  • Copy the video link into your application.
  • Other submission methods will not be accepted.

About the Position
This is a full-time position as Principal Second Violin with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. The Second Violin section comprises a total of thirteen full-time positions. The Principal is the leader of the section and is responsible for overseeing the section and representing it as required. The Principal also serves on audition panels in accordance with the rules and regulations established by the Board of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. The Principal performs the solo passages assigned to their section, except for those specifically assigned to another part.
Applicants are required to hold a university-level qualification in instrumental performance. Salary is in accordance with the collective agreement between the Iceland Symphony Orchestra Employees’ Association and the Ministry of Finance.
Applicants from outside the EEA are required to obtain a work permit, subject to approval by the Icelandic Musicians’ Union (FÍH) and the Directorate of Immigration. 

About the Orchestra
Founded in 1950, the Iceland Symphony Orchestra is the national orchestra of Iceland, with 87 permanent musician positions.
For many years, the orchestra has been among the leading orchestras in the Nordic countries and has received excellent reviews for both its recordings and performances in Iceland and abroad.
The orchestra gives approximately 100 concerts each season, including subscription concerts featuring internationally renowned conductors and soloists.
We take great pride in our extensive educational activities. Each year, thousands of students of all ages attend the orchestra’s concerts, and the orchestra also offers a wide range of educational projects designed to introduce music students to the world of professional music-making.
Barbara Hannigan is the Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.
The Iceland Symphony Orchestra is resident at Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Reykjavík.

Further information is available at www.sinfonia.is or from the HR Manager at starf@sinfonia.is.