London Symphony Orchestra Principal & Sub-Principal Viola Auditions: Apply by 8 November 2026
The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) is accepting applications for two orchestral viola roles: Principal Viola and Sub-Principal (No. 4) Viola. The closing date is Sunday 8 November 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Applicants can indicate that they wish to be considered for either position or for both. The first round is submitted as a pre-recorded audition through Musicalchairs; shortlisted players may then be invited to a live second round in central London in January 2027. This is a professional employment audition, not a cash-prize competition or a teaching vacancy.
Two positions with different responsibilities
The Principal Viola is expected to lead the viola section and provide artistic direction and communication within the orchestra. The Sub-Principal No. 4 role is another senior viola-section appointment, and the official advertisement allows a candidate to apply for both. It is important not to assume that a shared first-round deadline means the repertoire or leadership expectations are necessarily identical. Applicants should consult the specific requirements and excerpts for the positions they select.
First-round material and Musicalchairs submission
The application is completed through Musicalchairs and includes a pre-recorded audition. The LSO provides a document covering audition requirements and an excerpt booklet through the listing. Candidates should record the requested repertoire and follow the technical guidance; choosing arbitrary solo pieces as a substitute for the orchestral excerpts may lead to an incomplete entry. Test links and audio quality before submitting, and ensure all materials are uploaded before the GMT deadline.
Live second-round dates in January 2027
The LSO currently asks candidates to reserve Thursday 7 January, Sunday 10 January and possibly Thursday 14 January 2027 for live auditions in central London, during morning and afternoon sessions. The orchestra warns that not all dates may be used. A second-round video audition may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but is not automatic; players unable to travel should raise this question with the recruitment team rather than assuming that a video-only route is guaranteed.
Important visa-national restriction
The vacancy notice contains a significant warning: owing to changes to UK visitor-visa restrictions, the LSO states that it cannot accept applications from candidates who are nationals of countries included on the UK's visitor visa-national list at this time. This is not a blanket exclusion of all musicians who live outside the UK. A candidate should examine the current list and their own immigration circumstances carefully before investing time and money in a submission. The listed restriction can be affected by changes in UK rules, so the LSO's latest instructions are decisive.
What to prepare as a professional violist
Beyond technical accuracy, leadership posts call for refined orchestral ensemble skills, style, rhythm, intonation, bowing coordination and the ability to work in a section. Applicants considering both positions can use the requirements booklet to plan an audition programme that reflects these skills. Those shortlisted should allow sufficient time to arrange travel to London, reserve accommodation, and rehearse with the excerpt collection. The announcement does not provide a fixed salary or guarantee reimbursement of travel expenses; those details require direct confirmation.
Official vacancy and contact
Details verified 18 October 2026. In any discrepancy, use the current LSO advertisement and documents attached to the Musicalchairs application.