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:
A-Round: Monday, January 12, 2026, 10 a.m. at Stolberger Straße 3, 50933 Cologne
B-Round: Monday, January 26, 2026, 10 a.m. at Stolberger Straße 3, 50933 Cologne
1st Violin Tutti (5 Positions)
Available immediately
Pre-audition: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Main audition: Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Assistant Principal 2nd Violin
Starting January 1, 2026 | Level 3 responsibility allowance
Audition:
Pre-audition: Thursday, 30 April 2026, 10 a.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Main audition: Wednesday, 6 May 2026, 10 a.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Deputy Principal Viola
Pre-audition: Monday, June 15, 2026, 10 a.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Main audition: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 10 a.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Assistant Principal Viola
Available immediately | Level 3 responsibility allowance
Pre-audition: Monday, June 15, 2026, 10 a.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Main audition: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 10 a.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Viola Tutti
Starting June 1, 2025 | 50% position
Pre-audition: Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 6 p.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Main audition : Thursday, January 29, 2026, 6 p.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Principal Cello (Coordinated)
Starting October 1, 2025 | 100% position
Audition:
Mon. May 04, 2026, 10 a.m.at Stolberger Straße 3, 50933 Cologne
Tue. May, 05, 2026, 10 a.m.at Stolberger Straße 3, 50933 Cologne
Assistant Principal Cellist
starting 1 March 2027, level 2 activity allowance
Audition dates will be announced.
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
Double Bass Tutti
Available immediately | 50% position
Audition:
Pre-audition: Thursday, January 29, 2026 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Main-audition: Friday, January 30, 2026 10 a.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
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 a.m. Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Second round: Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. 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:
Pre-audition: Tuesday, May 27, 2026, 1 p.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Main audition: Wednesday, May 28, 2026 6 p.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Principal Bassoon
Starting November 1, 2025, with level 1 activity allowance
Audition:
Round A: Tue, September 23, 2025, 10 a.m. at Stolberger Straße 3, 50933 Cologne
Round B: Wed, September 24, 2025, 10 a.m. at Stolberger Straße 3, 50933 Cologne Information A & B Round
Contra bassoon
Audition:
Monday, February 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. Stolberger Straße 3, 50933 Cologne
1. Solo horn with responsibility for 3rd and 5th horn as well as B-flat Wagner tuba
From 1 April 2026, level 1 activity allowance, plus 50% of level 3
Knowledge of and interest in playing the natural horn are desirable.
Audition:
Pre-audition: Monday, March 02, 2026, 10 a.m. Uhr at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
main audition: Tuesday, March 03, 2026, 6 p.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
2. and additional low horns with a commitment to the Wagner tuba.
As of 1 November 2026, level 3 activity allowance.
Audition:
Pre-audition: Saturday, 23 May 2026, 10 a.m. at Stolberger Straße 3, 50933 Cologne
Main audition: Tuesday, 26 May 2026, 6 p.m. at Stolberger Straße 3, 50933 Cologne
Horn - Academy
Starting immediately, initially for one year with an option to extend for another year
Audition: Tuesday, 27 January 2026, 10 a.m. at Stolberger Straße 3, 50933 Cologne