< Auditions

CLARINET SECTION PLAYER (substitute)

Estonian National Symphony Orchestra (ERSO) is the leading symphony orchestra in Estonia, vivid and versatile, adept in performing a wide array of traditional symphonic music, likewise taking a keen interest in contemporary music. Having a regular schedule of weekly concerts we take pride in performing with renowned conductors and soloists from around the world and cooperating with numerous highly acclaimed record companies. Undertaking 1-2 international tours yearly is customary, plus multiple concerts performed around Estonia. Throughout each season, all ERSO musicians are encouraged to suggest ideas for and to participate in various chamber music programmes, with fellow orchestra members and guest soloists.

Estonian National Symphony Orchestra announces an audition for a

CLARINET SECTION PLAYER (substitute, French system)

(full-time temporary substitute position, commencing in September 2026, monthly remuneration 1900€ in gross sum or 2527€ if social tax is not witheld).

The audition will be held in two rounds – a video round and a stage round.
To apply, please send your application and CV (no official application forms are provided) to audition@erso.ee, with a quoting reference “Clarinet”,  by 3 May 2026 at the latest, along with a link to an uncut video recording where you perform

  • 1st mvt. exposition and 2nd mvt bar 1-24 from W. A. Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A major, K 622, with piano accompaniment and
  • orchestral excerpts (in order of choice, music available here):
    • L. van Beethoven. Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68: 2nd mvt. bars 68-77,
    • D. Shostakovich. Symphony No. 9 in E flat major Op. 70: 3rd mvt. bars 1-17.

The video recording must be filmed with one camera, the player facing the camera so that also both, the player’s hands and the instrument, can completely be seen throughout. Any post-processing of the sound or picture is prohibited. The concerto and orchestral excerpts recordings could be sent in two uncut takes or all in one take, as a link to an unlisted YouTube video.

Invitations to the stage audition will be sent to selected candidates by 8 May 2026 the latest, after the initial review of the sent videos by the audition committee.

The stage audition will be held on 12 June 2026 at 3 p.m. at the Estonia Concert Hall.

Repertoire for the stage round:

I round

  • W. A. Mozart Clarinet Concerto in A major, K 622 1st and 2nd Movements and
  • orchestral excerpts.

II round

  • C. Debussy. Première Rhapsodie and
  • orchestral excerpts.

In the last round, candidates may be asked to perform together with ENSO’s clarinet section.

Orchestral excerpts for the stage round will be available here from 3 May 2026.

Audition details:

The stage audition will take place during the course of one day. Only live performances are possible. Please note that ENSO will not supply participants with visa invitations and will not pay for travelling nor other costs incurred by candidates.

Job details:

Position requires proficiency on a French-system clarinet, with e-flat and bass clarinet duty if needed.

Tutti rehearsals (4hrs daily) are normally held on working days, concerts are usually on Fridays. Depending on working schedule, clarinet players normally have one individual working week each month. Annual paid leave amounts to 35 calendar days. For further guidelines on working in Estonia, please refer to the following state-supervised websites: www.workinestonia.com, www.settleinestonia.ee.