Denver Philharmonic Orchestra — Assistant Concertmaster (paid principal)

Denver Philharmonic lists Assistant Concertmaster among its current openings, in the paid principal-musician group; section seats at this orchestra are volunteer. Paid musicians are independent contractors who receive an annual IRS 1099 and whose agreements are renewed season by season. The next in-person audition on the published schedule is early January 2027, date to be announced, at El Sistema Colorado. All in-person auditions are blind, using a screen, muted flooring and an audition proctor. Applicants who are not auditioning for a listed opening can instead ask to join the sub list, and the committee may request a two-minute video audition of music of their choice.

Repertoire requirements: Prepare the Assistant Concertmaster excerpts linked from the orchestra’s auditions page. That sheet runs to nine pages and its headings name Mendelssohn, A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Mozart, Symphony No. 39 in E flat major K. 543, Violin I, Finale (Allegro); and two passages from Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony. The music itself is printed as scanned images, so check the sheet for bar numbers and any further excerpts.

One thing to know before you download: two different versions of the same violin excerpt sheet are linked from that page. The Assistant Concertmaster entry points to a nine-page sheet dated 5.30.22; the Section Violin entry points to a five-page sheet dated 8.11.2026 covering section and principal second violin material. Both open with the Mendelssohn and the Mozart. If in doubt, ask the personnel manager, whose name and telephone number are on the page.

The page tells string players that it is not mandatory to follow all the bowings shown, and to apply bowings they judge more appropriate to the music. All in-person auditions are blind, behind a screen, with muted flooring and an audition proctor.

Compensation: Paid principal-musician position. Paid musicians are independent contractors, receive an annual IRS 1099 statement, and have agreements renewed season by season.

How to apply: Use the embedded Apply For An Audition form on the official auditions page, select a principal-position option, and provide contact information and musical/orchestral experience or a pasted musical résumé.