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TSYO Auditions

For information about auditioning for the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, please visit the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra Auditions & Registration page.

Current Audition Postings

Affiliate Composer Application

TORONTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 
Gustavo Gimeno, Music Director

APPLICATION INFORMATION: 

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is inviting applications for the position of Affiliate Composer, to begin during the 2024-25 season. The Affiliate Composer will work closely with Music Director Gustavo Gimeno, TSO Composer Advisor Emilie LeBel, the artistic staff, and the musicians of the TSO. This two-year position includes opportunities to write works for the full orchestra, to interact with Canadian and international visiting composers and to participate in the TSO’s extensive education programs. Critical training in program planning, orchestra operations, marketing, public relations, education, and development activities will be provided to the Affiliate Composer to enhance understanding of a professional orchestra. In addition to involvement with the selection and programming of contemporary music, the Affiliate Composer will also have a role in promoting and advocating for the creation and performance of Canadian and contemporary music. While no age requirement is mandated, it is expected that this position will be filled by an emerging composer who has already demonstrated substantial accomplishment in the Canadian orchestral world.

For detailed information and history of the TSO visit: https://www.tso.ca/orchestra

Affiliate Composer Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: 

  • Creating one new orchestral composition for performance for each of the 2024-25 and 2025 26 seasons (scores and parts will be due to the library 3 ½ and 2 ½ months prior to the first rehearsal date respectively).
  • Attending regular meetings with Artistic Administration, working regularly with the New Music Coordinator, and as required with the Artistic Advisory Committee of the orchestra to work towards the institution’s annual season programming deadlines.
  • Attending TSO rehearsals and concerts when contemporary repertoire is programmed.
  • Researching, reviewing, and advising on contemporary music.
  • Working with the TSO's Director of Education & Community Engagement for TSO education and outreach initiatives.

In Collaboration with the New Music Coordinator, Marlena Pellegrino: 

  • Organizing and administering a Call for Scores to be read by TSO at the Explore the
    Score reading session (scheduled for Saturday November 9, 2024).
  • Acting as a point of contact for the NextGen Composers.
  • Acting as a point of contact for special commission projects.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

  • All applicants for the position of TSO Affiliate Composer must be Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents.
  • Although full-time residency in Toronto is not required, it is expected that the Affiliate Composer be present in Toronto on a regular basis for committee meetings and for all weeks in which contemporary works are performed plus for selected Educational and Community Engagement programs.
  • Candidates should have completed their formal musical training.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability and desire to connect with audiences to speak for the music and the orchestra are expected.
  • Candidates should have experience working with professional orchestras; working knowledge of Canadian and international contemporary orchestral repertoire is essential.
  • Currently this position is supported by RBC Foundation as part of their emerging artist program. There may be reporting required on activities, accomplishments and impact with assistance from the Development Team of the TSO.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications can submitted online here, or mailed to the following address:
Toronto Symphony Orchestra at 145 Wellington Street, Suite 500, Toronto, ON M5J 1H8.

For any questions regarding the application please contact Marlena Pellegrino at mpellegrino@tso.ca.

Applications must include: 

  • Letter of interest (maximum one page) addressed to: Toronto Symphony Orchestra Affiliate Composer Search Committee
  • Full curriculum vitae (maximum 5 pages) which includes:
    - citizenship
    - contact information
    - educational background
    - three professional references with contact information
    - A complete list of compositions, including information about past and further performances of works plus any discography or publications (if applicable)
  • 2 scores with recordings

*All written application materials must be submitted in one single file. Only PDF
documents will be accepted.

NOTE: The search committee will receive all applications for the position in confidence.

Audition process: 

  • Applications must be submitted no later than: Monday, April 8th, 2024 at 5pm EST
  • The search committee will include Gustavo Gimeno (TSO Music Director), Emilie LeBel (TSO Composer Advisor), musician representatives of the TSO and TSO staff.
  • Live interviews for finalists will take place in Toronto on Thursday, June 13th, 2024 or Friday, June 14th, 2024.
  • The audition process will include an interview with the search committee and a written exercise.
  • The successful candidate will be notified by June 24th, 2024 with a public announcement to follow.

TERMS: 

  • September 12, 2024 through June 30, 2026
  • The successful candidate will have a new work of 8’ duration premiered by the TSO during the week of April 21st, 2025. The date for the premiere of a year 2 work will be mutually discussed.
  • Compensation will be discussed at the time the position is offered

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra is committed to having a workforce that is reflective of the diversity of the City of Toronto and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals, especially those who can provide different perspectives and contribute to a further diversification of ideas. The TSO is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require accommodation, the TSO will work with you to meet your needs. The TSO requires all employees and contract workers to provide proof of fully-vaccinated status, with vaccines approved by Health Canada. A person is considered fully-vaccinated if they have completed the required regime for a COVID-19 vaccine and 14 days have passed since their final dose.

Principal Viola

Tenure track position

International auditions are scheduled for April 29 - May 2, 2024.

The 2023/2024 forty-three week season includes a weekly scale fee of $2,206.52. Five of these weeks are paid non-service weeks, with one additional vacation week. Master Agreement is being negotiated for 2024/2025.

Other benefits: Long-term disability insurance, sick leave, 10% CFM-Musicians Pension Fund of Canada contribution.

To apply: Complete the online application

When you submit, you will be prompted for a $100 (CDN) refundable application deposit by credit card.

Application deadline: Monday, March 18, 2024

Audition repertoire list (PDF)

Section Violin (3 positions)

Tenure track positions

International auditions are scheduled for June 13 and 15, 2024.

The 2023/2024 forty-three week season includes a weekly scale fee of $2,206.52. Five of these weeks are paid non-service weeks, with one additional vacation week. Master Agreement is being negotiated for 2024/2025.

Other benefits: Long-term disability insurance, sick leave, 10% CFM-Musicians Pension Fund of Canada contribution.

To apply: Complete the online application

When you submit, you will be prompted for a $100 (CDN) refundable application deposit by credit card.

Application deadline: Monday May 6, 2024

Audition Repertoire List (PDF)

The audition committee reserves the right to dismiss, at any time during the audition procedure, any candidate who does not meet the required standard of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Please direct all audition-related inquiries to: auditions@TSO.CA

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