Orchestra Victoria is offering two fellowship positions in 2027, available to musicians who have completed Bachelor of Music (Performance) or are at an equivalent or higher standard on an orchestral string instrument (Violin, Viola, Cello or Double Bass). 

The Richard Bonynge Orchestral Fellowship is a pre-professional program designed to provide training for musicians in working with opera and ballet. Orchestra Victoria is a performance partner of Australia’s national ballet company, The Australian Ballet, national opera company, Opera Australia, and state opera company, Victorian Opera. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work with Orchestra Victoria under the leadership of a variety of world-class conductors, mentored by the orchestra’s talented and skilled musicians. 

The successful candidates will each be employed on a fixed-term contract encompassing the Orchestra’s seasons with its partner companies from 19 April - 14 November 2027, at the Tutti Level A Salary ($81,068 per annum, pro rata, from 1 February 2027, plus superannuation and allowances).  The contract term will include a leave period from 20 June - 19 September 2027 inclusive. Further information can be found by downloading the information pack for this position linked here.

Orchestra Victoria offers:  
•    Performance opportunities in the greatest of opera and ballet repertoire 
•    An exciting and friendly working environment 
•    World-class health and wellbeing programs for musicians 
 

Eligibility: 
•    Completed Bachelor of Music or be of an equivalent or higher standard in Violin, Viola, Cello or Double Bass Performance
•    Open to Australian and New Zealand citizens and Permanent Residents of Australia
•    Be aged 18 years or older by the application closing date, Thursday 29 October 2026
•    Candidates must be available to attend their relevant live audition day in person in its entirety
 
Selection Process: 
The selection process for the Richard Bonynge Orchestral Fellowship is a two-stage process, outlined below.  

Stage 1
Candidates will submit two video recordings of repertoire of their own choice, a CV, and a short personal statement of up to 500 words, submitted with their application form. A selection panel will use these materials to determine the candidates to be invited to undertake Stage 2.

Candidates are able to submit their application, CV and personal statement separately and in advance of submitting their video recordings. Upon receipt of the application, applicants will receive a copy of their relevant stage 2 excerpt book.

Stage 2
Candidates will undertake a live audition in person in Melbourne on Tuesday 24 November 2026.
 

Important Dates: 

Stage 1 - Recording Submissions:

• All application forms and recorded submissions due: Thursday 29 October 2026 
• Results of Stage 1 released to candidates: Friday 6 November 2026 

 
Stage 2 -  Live Auditions in Melbourne:

• All instruments: Tuesday 24 November 2026 

 
Audition location:
Orchestra Victoria 
7 Blackwood Street  
North Melbourne VIC 3051