We create music that moves people. Do you?
Welcome to the Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne.
A community that lives and breathes music with heart and soul. Both on stage and behind the scenes. That is why we are looking for like-minded people to join our community.
We, the Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne, have been in existence for 200 years. We are characterised by musical curiosity and diversity. We demonstrate this through successful and progressive performances in concert halls and opera houses both at home and abroad. Driven by our distinctive sound and our excellent standard.
Our working environment is just as special as our sound. Collaborating with leading artists, numerous world premieres and musical diversity are one side of the coin – the other is our diverse, warm-hearted Gürzenich family.
And, of course, Cologne! For we are deeply rooted in this open-hearted city, brimming with joie de vivre. Here, together, we create moving experiences for the city’s residents and, on tour, for people all over the world. Perhaps soon together with you too?
Original soundbites
What makes the Gürzenich Orchestra unique? The best people to tell you are those who are part of it every day. Watch the videos featuring the musicians to find out what the Gürzenich Orchestra stands for and what makes working with us so special.
Alja Velkaverh-Roskams
Flute Principal
Despite the diversity of languages, cultures and perspectives, a common language emerges within the Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne: music. Alja Velkaverh-Roskams talks about international collaboration within the orchestra.
Carsten Luz
Deputy principal trombone
An audition is challenging and involves a great deal of pressure – but those who succeed get to become part of the orchestra. Carsten Luz talks about the tension, ambition and pride that come with making it into the orchestra.
Attractive benefits included
The Gürzenich Orchestra offers an exciting artistic environment with an international atmosphere. With us, you’ll be working in a place that offers stability and genuine appreciation. Here, you can develop and further your skills on your own terms, whilst enjoying a range of attractive benefits.
Your place in the Gürzenich Orchestra is waiting for you.
Across all areas, we are looking for people who want to work with a high level of professionalism and dedication. People who want to make a difference in the world through music, working together.
Take a look at our current vacancies. We look forward to receiving your application.
Vacancies
Orchestra
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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.
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1st Coordinated Concertmaster (2)
Starting September 1, 2025 | Special contract / Reduced service obligations
Audition:
Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne1st Violin Tutti (5 Positions)
Available immediately
Pre-audition: Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Main audition: Friday, June 19, 2026, at 10:00 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 CologneAssistant Principal Viola
Available immediately, 100%, 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 -
Principal Cello (Coordinated)
Starting October 1, 2025 | 100% position
Pre-round: Monday, 7 December 2026, 10.00 am at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Main round: Tuesday, 8 December 2026, 10.00 am at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Assistant Principal Cellist
starting 1 March 2027, level 2 activity allowance
Pre-audition: Thursday, 15 October 2026, 6.00 p.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Main audition: Friday, 16 October 2026, 10.00 a.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
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Piccolo Flute with Obligation to 2nd/3rd/4th Flute
Available immediately | Level 2 responsibility allowance + 50% of Level 3
Pre-audition: Sat 26 Sept 26, 11.00 am at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Main audition: Mon 28 Sept 26, 6.00 pm at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
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Principal Oboe
Starting March 1, 2025 | Level 1 responsibility allowance
Knowledge of and interest in playing the oboe d’amore are desired.
Audition:
A-round: Tuesday, october 06, 2026, at 6 p.m. Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
B-round: Tuesday, october 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne -
Solo Clarinet (A/B Clarinet) – “German System”
Available immediately | Level 1 responsibility allowance
Group A: Tuesday 24 November 26, 10.00 am at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Group B: Wednesday 25 November 26, 6.00 pm at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne -
Principal Bassoon
Starting November 1, 2025, with level 1 activity allowance
Audition date to be announced
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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 date to be announced
2. and additional low horns with a commitment to the Wagner tuba.
As of 1 November 2026, level 3 activity allowance.
Pre-audition: Tuesday, 15 December, 2026, 6 p.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne
Main audition: Wednesday, 16 December, 2026, 10 a.m. at Stolberger Str. 3, 50933 Cologne -
Violin - Academy (2)
Starting 1 September 2026, initially for one year with the option to extend for another year
Audition:
Monday. 29.06.2026, 10 a.m. at Stolberger Straße 3, 50933 CologneCello - Academy
Starting 1 November 2026, initially for one year with the option to extend for another year
Audition:
Thursday. 02.07.2026, 6 p.m. at Stolberger Straße 3, 50933 Cologne
Management
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Note
The City of Cologne has committed itself to increasing the proportion of women in management roles and in under-represented occupational fields. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply. Furthermore, the individual working time preferences of men and women with family responsibilities are to be accommodated at all levels. Applicants with severe disabilities and those deemed to be in an equivalent situation will be given special consideration where equally qualified.
The City of Cologne holds the TOTAL E-QUALITY certification – Commitment to Equal Opportunities for Women and Men – as well as the additional DIVERSITY certification.
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Working student in Marketing & PR
From 1 October 2026, 20 hours per week
Please send your application by 1 September 2026 to Friso van Daalen (Head of Marketing): friso.vandaalen(at)guerzenich-orchester.de
