International Audition
Tafelmusik announces a vacancy for Core Double Bass, commencing September 2025, or at the successful candidate’s earliest availability
The first audition round includes an anonymous screening of audio recording submissions. Successful candidates from this round will be invited to perform with the orchestra in a week-long program during the 2024-25 season. This paid engagement will include two to three performances. Billet housing and a travel honorarium will be offered.
During the performance week, each candidate will participate in a second live audition round, which will include orchestral excerpts and chamber music played with members of the core orchestra.
Candidates must have extensive experience performing on period instruments, and excel in historical performance practice from the baroque to the early romantic period.
Highly qualified applicants should submit their application form, professional CV, and unedited audio recordings no later than Wednesday April 3, 2024. Please refer below for full application details. The repertoire list for the audio recording is included below.
All applicants will be contacted by email.
Tafelmusik is a 16-member chamber orchestra with a 45-year history of international touring, recording, and an extensive performance season in Toronto, Canada. Our core mandate also embraces artist training, education and outreach initiatives, and chamber music opportunities. Current annual income is approximately CA $50,000–$55,000, dependent on scheduled season activities, plus tours and third-party engagements. The musicians of Tafelmusik are independent contractors and members of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 149. Benefits: AFM-EPW 11%, sick leave (based on years of service). Core members of Tafelmusik are offered first right of refusal for all Tafelmusik services. Full tenure may be granted following a two-year probationary period.
Tafelmusik is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our working culture and in our community. We welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates of all cultures, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We invite candidates who may require assistance during the application or audition process to let us know and we will work with them to meet their needs.
2024 International Bass Audition Recording Requirements
Round 1: Audio recording
All audio files must be unedited. Please do not send video files.
A 5-minute solo of your choice (unaccompanied; baroque or classical)
Please include a pdf of your solo selection with your application file.
- J.S. Bach Ouverture from Suite no. 4 in D Major: bb. 1–50 (no repeat)
- Sarabande from Suite no. 2 in B Minor (complete, no repeats)
- G.F. Handel Andante from Water Music (#10): bb. 28–41
- A. Vivaldi Concerto for strings in G Minor, RV 157:
- II. Largo from b.69 & III. Allegro
- J-P. Rameau Menuets from Les Indes galantes (with repeats; no da capo of
1st Menuet)
Classical excerpts (at a’ = 430)
- J. Haydn Symphony no. 8 “Le Soir”: Trio (solo part; with repeats)
- W.A. Mozart Symphony no. 40
- I. Molto Allegro: bb.114–134
- IV. Allegro assai: bb.228–236
- L. van Beethoven Symphony no. 3 “Eroica”
- III. Scherzo: bb.14–127
- IV. Finale: bb.292–318
Music for the baroque and classical excerpts can be found here.
Please refer to the audition application document here for all submission details. Questions may be directed to auditions@tafelmusik.org.