Vacancies orchestra
Being part of the Gürzenich Orchestra means performing in one of Germany’s most traditional yet innovative ensembles.
It requires the highest level of musical precision and the ability to bring a diverse repertoire—from classical to contemporary music—to life through harmonious collaboration.
We offer talented musicians the opportunity to become part of a renowned ensemble and work in an inspiring and creative environment. As a member of the Gürzenich Orchestra, you will not only have the chance to perform at the highest musical level but also benefit from a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities within a dynamic team. Join a prestigious institution with a strong future perspective.
Notice
Compensation is based on the in-house collective agreement of the Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne (above standard rates). Participation in the audition requires a written invitation, which will also include details on audition and orchestral excerpts.
1st Coordinated Concertmaster (2)
Starting September 1, 2025 | Special contract / Reduced service obligations
Audition date to be announced.
Associate Concertmaster (50%)
Fixed-term position from September 1, 2025, to August 22, 2026,
special contract with reduced duties
Audition:
Friday, July 4, 2025, 10:00 a.m. Stolberger Straße 3, 50933 Cologne
1st Violin Tutti (5 Positions)
Available immediately
Pre-audition: Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 10:00 AM, Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Main audition: Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM, Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Assistant Principal 2nd Violin
Starting January 1, 2026 | Level 3 responsibility allowance
Audition date to be announced.
Assistant Principal Viola
Available immediately | Level 3 responsibility allowance
Audition date to be announced.
Viola Tutti
Starting June 1, 2025 | 50% position
Pre-audition: Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM, Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Main audition: Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM, Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Principal Cello (Coordinated)
Starting October 1, 2025 | 100% position
First round: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM, Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Second round: Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM, Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Deputy Solo Cello (1 Position)
Starting August 1, 2025 | 100% position
First round: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM, Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Second round: Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM, Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Principal Double Bass
Full-time temporary position from February 1, 2026, to July 31, 2026
Level 1 performance bonus, reduced duties
Audition:
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10:00 a.m. Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Deputy Principal Double Bass
Available immediately | Level 2 responsibility allowance
Audition date to be announced.
Double Bass Tutti
Available immediately | 50% position
Pre-audition: Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM, Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Main audition: Friday, June 13, 2025, at 6:00 PM, Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Principal Flute
Available immediately | Level 1 responsibility allowance
Audition date to be announced.
Piccolo Flute with Obligation to 2nd/3rd Flute
Available immediately | Level 2 responsibility allowance + 50% of Level 3
Audition date to be announced.
Principal Oboe
Starting March 1, 2025 | Level 1 responsibility allowance
Knowledge of and interest in playing the oboe d’amore are desired.
Audition:
First round: Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Second round: Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
2nd/3rd Oboe with Obligation to English Horn
Starting August 28, 2025 | Level 3 responsibility allowance, Knowledge of and interest in playing the oboe d’amore are desired.
Audition: Monday, november 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM, Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Solo Clarinet (A/B Clarinet) – “German System”
Available immediately | Level 1 responsibility allowance
A-Round: Friday, January 9, 2026, 6.00pm Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
B-Round: Tuesday, January 1, 2026, 6.00pm Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Principal Bassoon
Starting November 1, 2025 | Level 1 responsibility allowance
Audition:
A-Round: Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM, Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
B-Round: Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM, Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Contra bassoon
Audition date to be announced.
Contra bassoon with bassoon temporary contract 100%
From 28.8.2025-31.03.2026, level 2 activity allowance
Audition date: Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 10 am at Stolberger Straße 3, 50933 Cologne
(Application deadline 15.6.25)
Solo Trombone
Starting from August 28, 2025, Level 1 activity allowance
Audition Dates:
Main Audition: Tue, July 1, 2025, 10:00 AM, Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Preliminary Audition: Mon, June 23, 2025, 10:00 AM, Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Violin Tutti – Academy
Starting August 28, 2025 | Max. 15 services per month
Audition: Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM, Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Percussion – Academy Position
Starting October 1, 2025, Limited to one year with the option to extend for a further year
Audition:
Monday, September 1, 2025, 2:00 p.m., Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Bassoon– Academy
Starting August 28, 2025 | Max. 15 services per month
Audition: Friday, June 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM, Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Oboe - Academy
From 01 September 2025, Limited to one year with the option to extend for a further year
Audition:
Mon 07.07.2025, 10 a.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne