< Auditions

SECTION PLAYER (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 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
SECTION PLAYER (DOUBLE BASS)
(full time, commencing January 2027, monthly remuneration 1900 Euros in gross sum).

The audition will be held in two rounds – the video round and the stage 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 15 October 2026 at the latest, along with a link to a video recording where you perform:

  • Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf. Double Bass Concerto no 2, I movement exposition and H. K. Gruber cadenza
    or
    Johann Baptiste Vanhal. Double Bass Concerto, I movement exposition and cadenza of candidate’s own choice
    and
  • orchestral excerpts (available here ).

Invitations to the stage audition will be sent to selected candidates by 30 October 2026 the latest, after the initial review of the sent videos by the audition committee.

The stage audition will be held on 30 November 2026 at 10:00 at the Estonia Concert Hall, Tallinn.

For the stage audition, please prepare:

I round:

  • Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf. Double Bass Concerto no 2, I and II movement (with H. K. Gruber cadenzas)
    or
    Johann Baptiste Vanhal. Double Bass Concerto, I and II movement (cadenzas of your own choice)
    and
  • orchestral excerpts.

II round:

  • one of the following three pieces:
    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 from 30 October 2026)

Further 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.

Tutti rehearsals (4hrs daily) are normally held on working days, concerts are usually on Fridays.  Depending on working schedule, double bass section players normally have one individual working week every second month at least. 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.