Apply for freelance opportunities with Sinfonia Cymru
Sinfonia Cymru:
Deadline for submissions: 12pm (BST) 4 April 2025
We are looking for exceptional musicians under the age of 30 to join our freelance group of young professionals from 2025/26 season onwards.
This year we are looking for:
- A sub-principal violinist to work alongside our Leader, Haim Choi, in principal/front desk roles, as well as take part in chamber music projects;
- Tutti violinists for our larger ensemble projects;
- A percussionist;
- A harpist;
- A pianist;
- A bassoonist.
Who we are
Our annual programme features an eclectic mix of projects that give our musicians the opportunity to perform in ensembles that range from duos right up to chamber orchestra in concert halls, communities and schools across Wales. We like to perform a range of music in all these contexts, allowing our musicians to cross genres, whether it’s when they’re working with our exciting and internationally renowned guest artists, leading workshops in schools, or when they’re programming projects for us themselves. We are looking for outstanding musicians who bring with them a range of skills – you might be an aspiring orchestral musician, a budding educator or workshop leader, or be comfortable performing in different genres. At Sinfonia Cymru, we love to see what people can do and invest in their strengths.
Successful candidates can expect to be offered a minimum of two patches of work each season.
Who you are
You should have completed or be studying for an undergraduate music degree and/or have completed or be studying for a postgraduate degree in music performance, either at a conservatoire or university. You should be able to work as a freelancer in the UK and we welcome applications from international students on a Student visa.
If you are still currently studying, especially at undergraduate level, it is likely that you will be an outstanding member of your cohort.
As we engage musicians under the age of 30, you should be under the age of 30 on 1 October 2026 to audition.
We will also consider applications from older applicants if you took a period of time off during the early stages of your career (such as, but not limited to, parental leave, disability or long-term illness). Please get in touch with us before applying to discuss your circumstances.
The Audition Process
There will be two stages to the audition process, the first an online submission after which selected candidates will attend an in person audition, which will take place on the following dates:
29 April Violin in London
30 April Violin, Piano, Harp and Percussion in London
1 May Violin, Piano, Harp and Percussion in Manchester
5 May Violin, Harp and Bassoon in Cardiff or London
Stage One
Produce a video recording of you performing the set pieces/excerpts (see relevant document below).
To submit your video, complete this application form by 12pm (BST) on Friday 4 April 2025.
As part of the form, you will be asked for a link to your video footage. Videos should be unedited. Please upload the footage to either YouTube or Dropbox and include a link to it in the application form. If you are uploading a YouTube video, please ensure it is uploaded privately.
You will also be asked to upload your CV, which should be a maximum of two pages and outline your education and your professional musical experience, in addition to any other relevant experience. Please do not submit biographies.
Stage 2
The live audition will include
- Performance of a five-minute piece or excerpt from a piece of your choice that demonstrates your musical personality;
- Performance of prepared excerpts (to be sent to candidates on submission of their first round video);
- Sightreading, performed with one of the panel;
- An opportunity to chat with the panel about your musical interests and ambitions.
The panel will be formed of up to six people and may include:
- Haim Choi (Leader)
- Simmy Singh (Creative Associate)
- A current or former member of Sinfonia Cymru.
- Caroline Tress (Chief Executive)
- Joseph Evans (General Manager)
- Gareth Jones (Founder)
Invitations to the second round will be sent by 21 April 2025.