Section Principal Cello


The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden


Music Director, Royal Opera: Antonio Pappano

Music Director, Royal Ballet: Koen Kessels

Concert Masters: Vasko Vassilev, Sergey Levitin


The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House is seeking to appoint two people to the position of:


Section Principal Cello


We invite applications from outstanding players with considerable recent relevant professional experience. The successful candidates will be musicians of the highest calibre who are self-motivated, reliable and versatile with the ability to work under pressure as part of an established team.

The terms and conditions of employment for this position offers some flexibility in workload and schedule. This is a permanent salaried position.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and value the positive impact that difference has on our teams.

Full job descriptions and details of how to apply are available on our website www.roh.org.uk.


We intend to hold screened first round auditions in person in London on Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th April 2023. Our preference will be to hear shortlisted candidates in person, but should you be unable to attend on the scheduled dates we will accept a recorded audition to be submitted by 9am, Monday 24th April 2023 (full instructions will be sent to shortlisted candidates).


Please note we intend to contact shortlisted candidates by the end of Friday 31st March 2023


First round audition requirements will be:

  1. 1st movement of a Haydn Concerto
  2. Orchestral excerpts as per enclosed PDF.


We intend to hold second round auditions in London on the afternoons of 24th and 26th May 2023.

Second round audition requirements will be:

  1. 1st movement of the Schubert Arpeggione Sonata (up to the end of the repeated section)
  2. Orchestral excerpts as per the enclosed PDF.

The closing date for applications is: 9am, Monday 27th March 2023


Should candidates who are shortlisted for trial work or offered permanent employment not have current UK work authorisation, ROH will provide support in obtaining the necessary permission to work depending on individual circumstances. Please contact us at the relevant point in the recruitment process if this applies to you.


If you have any questions regarding this position please e-mail Orchestra.Auditions@roh.org.uk.




Sorry, this vacancy is closed.