< Auditions

CO-PRINCIPAL DOUBLE BASS

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 throughout 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.

ERSO announces an audition for

CO-PRINCIPAL DOUBLE BASS

(full time, commencing August 2025 the latest; monthly remuneration 1914 Euros in gross sum or 2546 Euros with social tax).

The audition will be held in the following rounds – the video round, the stage round and if needed, the orchestra round. To apply, please send your application and CV (no official application forms are provided) to audition@erso.ee , with a quoting reference “Double Bass”,  by 20.01.2025 the latest, along with a link to one uncut video recording where you perform:

  • one movement from the Suite im Alten Stil for double bass solo by Hans Fryba
    and
  • one of the following three pieces (preferably with accompaniment):
    Giovanni Bottesini. Elegy No. 1 in D major
    or
    Giovanni Bottesini. Elegy No. 2 in E minor (Romanza Dramatica)
    or
    Giovanni Bottesini. Elegy No. 3 in E minor (Romanza Patetica)
    and
  • orchestral excerpts (available here).

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 recording should be uncut, all required music should be recorded in one take. The recording should be sent to us as a link to an unlisted YouTube video.

Invitations to the stage audition will be sent to selected candidates by 28.01.2025 the latest, after the initial review of the sent documents and videos by the audition committee.

The stage audition will be held on 17.03.2025, at 10:00 A.M. at the Estonia Concert Hall, Tallinn.

Repertoire to be prepared for the stage audition:

I round:

  • Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf. Double Bass Concerto in E major, I movement (with H. K. Gruber cadenza)
    or
    Johann Baptiste Vanhal. Double Bass Concerto, I movement (with cadenza of your own choice)
    and
  • orchestral solos and excerpts (will be sent with the invitations).

II round:

  • Giovanni Bottesini. Double Bass Concerto No. 2 in B minor, I and II movement
    or
    Sergei Koussevitzky. Double Bass Concerto, I and II movement
    or
    Eduard Tubin. Double Bass Concerto, I and II movement (with cadenza)
    and
  • orchestral solos and excerpts (will be sent with invitations).

We kindly ask the candidates who will be advanced to the orchestral round, to be prepared to participate in at least two ERSO’s concerts and related rehearsal periods over next spring.  The winner of the audition will be announced after the orchestral round, by 30.06.2025 the latest.

Audition details:
Both,  orchestra and solo tuning of the instrument are allowed throughout the audition. The stage audition will take place during the course of one day. Only live performances are possible. ERSO will not supply participants with visa invitations and will not pay for travelling nor other costs incurred by candidates.

Job Details:
Tutti rehearsals (4hrs daily) are normally held on working days, concerts are usually on Fridays. Paid annual leave amounts to 35 calendar days.

For further guidelines on working in Estonia, please refer to the state-supervised websites www.workinestonia.com, www.settleinestonia.ee.