Inside the Audition Room

How Musicians Join the Sydney Symphony Orchestra

There are a few new faces on the Concert Hall stage this Season, following a series of new appointments to key positions across the Orchestra in late 2025. We’ve been inspired by the sound and artistry of the musicians joining us from across the globe, alongside the exciting progression of some of our own players into new roles. 

From Sweden, we welcomed Katlijn Sargeant as Principal Piccolo; from the UK, Richard Waters as Principal Viola; and closer to home, Emma Sholl successfully auditioned as Principal Flute. Behind each of these appointments lies a thoughtful recruitment process designed to uphold the highest artistic standards while championing fairness, transparency and musical excellence. 

When a position becomes available, auditions are first opened to Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents. Candidates are assessed by a democratic panel of SSO musicians, ensuring decisions are guided by peers who listen for just the right sound. To minimise bias, first‑round auditions are performed behind a screen, allowing the music to take centre stage. In later rounds, the screen is removed so candidates can engage directly with the panel. 

If no appointment is made, the search expands internationally. Exceptional candidates may be invited to join the Orchestra for a two‑week engagement, concluding with a recital audition, with all associated travel and accommodation covered by the Orchestra. 

Successful applacicants then enter a trial period of around a year, performing with the Orchestra while receiving regular feedback from the panel. Upon completion, musicians may be confirmed as permanent members — often beginning a career that spans decades. 

The SSO’s recruitment process ensures that every new appointment strengthens not only the Orchestra of today, but the legacy it is building for years to come.