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AUDITIONS - SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Welcome to the San Diego Symphony Orchestra's Auditions Page. 

We are thrilled to have Rafael Payare as our Music Director. Thank you for considering an audition for our orchestra!

The following auditions are announced:

Second Horn

Auditions to be held October 5-6, 2026.

Follow this link for the full audition repertoire list.

Application Deadline is August 28, 2026.

Cancellation Deadline is September 21, 2026.

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Substitute Timpani

Auditions to be held October 22, 2026.

A full audition repertoire list will be available soon.

Application Deadline is September 25, 2026.

Cancellation Deadline is October 8, 2026.

This audition is intended for candidates who are interested in joining our substitute list and who are willing and available to travel to San Diego on a per-service basis. We particularly encourage applications from musicians residing in Southern California. There are no full-time or part-time contract positions available at this time. San Diego Symphony does not provide travel assistance for substitute musicians.

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Section Violin

Auditions to be held November 7-9, 2026.

A full audition repertoire list will be available soon.

Application Deadline is October 2, 2026.

Cancellation Deadline is October 23, 2026.

Please note: We are aware of the LA Philharmonic’s violin audition November 9-12. Both orchestra’s audition administrators will make best efforts for candidates who advance to the San Diego Symphony finals on November 9 to be able to start their LA Phil audition on November 10. If you intend to take both auditions, we encourage you to include a note in your applications to both orchestras so that we can proactively consider your schedule along the way.

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To Apply for Any Current Audition:

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO APPLY FOR AN AUDITION

A complete audition application must include:

  • Online Application
  • Resumé (Submitted via application form)
  • Refundable Audition Deposit (further details provided on application)

Applications and deposit checks must be received by the published application deadline. Please do not mail any applications. All candidates that submit a completed application will receive an audition time.

Musicians with diverse backgrounds, identities and experiences are encouraged to apply. For questions regarding the audition process, please email: auditions@sandiegosymphony.org.

Sheet Music 

Below are two sources when looking for public domain sheet music:


Musician Employment

Employment is intended to begin no later than January 2027.

The current San Diego Symphony Orchestra CBA states the following for the 2026-2027 Season:

  • 42 Week Contract: 37 playing weeks plus 5 vacation weeks. 
  • Minimum Annual Scale is $112,965 plus $3,000 Electronic Media Guarantee.
  • Overscale for Principals: 33.5%.
  • Overscale for Associate Principals: 20%.
  • Benefits include: medical and dental insurance, long and short-term disability insurance, life insurance, instrument insurance and a pension plan contribution.

The San Diego Symphony encourages applications from persons of all backgrounds,
and all applicants will be invited to audition without shortlisting.

SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY IS PROUD TO WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: 

FOR TICKET SERVICE E-MAIL
TICKETS@SANDIEGOSYMPHONY.ORG