Audition for the PSO

Audition to be a PSO Volunteer Musician

What does being a PSO volunteer musician look like?

The PSO is made up of a mix of volunteer musicians and paid professionals. Playing as a volunteer musician is an enriching and challenging experience, with opportunities for professional mentorship and musical growth. Each season, the PSO performs five full-length concerts (see www.thepso.org for concert dates and details).

  • Rehearsals for each concert are generally held on the 3 Wednesdays prior to each concert, as well as the Friday night the day before the concert, from 7:30-10:00 at the Peterborough Naval Club.

  • Dress rehearsals are from 1:30 - 4:00 on the day of the concert at Showplace Performance Centre, and performances begin at 7:30pm.

  • In addition to regular concert series performances, as a volunteer musician with the PSO you can choose to become involved with other PSO events, programs, and performances

Who can audition for the PSO? & What will the audition be like?

The Peterborough Symphony Orchestra welcomes auditions from local musicians interested in joining the orchestra. Auditions are held on an ongoing basis for all orchestral instruments. For instruments where there are currently no openings, or if your level does not match the available opening (for example, where the only opening is for a section principal), you may be accepted as a reserve orchestra member who may play in the event one of the regular musicians is unavailable, and you will also have opportunities to play at other PSO events and performances.

Candidates should be able to play at or above a Royal Conservatory Grade 9 or equivalent level.  At the audition, candidates should be prepared to do the following:

  • Play the first movement of a Mozart or Haydn concerto from the Royal Conservatory of Music list A, without the cadenza. If there is no Mozart or Haydn concerto for your instrument, you can select another concerto from the RCM Grade 9 List A for your instrument. You can find the RCM lists in the syllabus for your instrument here. 

  • Prepare two orchestral excerpts from a list we will send when you register for an audition time. The audition will take around 20 minutes.

Candidates will be notified of the outcome of their audition within 2 weeks. Candidates who are not accepted into the orchestra may be accepted for our new Community Connections Program, where they will have the opportunity to participate in small ensembles with professional PSO musicians, giving performances for community benefit. 

How do I register for an audition time?

If you are interested in auditioning to become a volunteer orchestra member, contact info@thepso.org to arrange an audition time. In your email, please provide the following:

  • A brief outline of your musical background/experience

  • A CV of your playing experience and/or a link to a recording of your playing [OPTIONAL]

  • Your availability in the near future (e.g. if you are available weekdays, evenings, etc., and any specific dates you would prefer or you are not available).