Audition for Associate Principal Bassoon, playing the Contrabassoon
Description
The OPRL is holding an audition for 1 Associate Principal Bassoon, playing the contrabassoon.
The competition is open to bassoons of the German system.
Practical information
When: Wednesday, July 01, 2026, at 10:00 AM (attendance required from 9:15 AM for the draw)
Where: Salle Philharmonique de Liège (entrance : 14, rue Forgeur – 4000 LIÈGE)
How: Complete your application form online or send it by e-mail to concours@oprl.be before midnight on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the latest.
Remuneration
Monthly Salary: starting from 3,883.32 € gross.
Additional allowances: clothing allowance, audiovisual fee, double holiday pay.
Benefits: supplementary pension plan (80% covered by the employer), guaranteed income insurance, 24/7 instrument insurance, reimbursement for instrument maintenance.
Auditions will consist of three rounds:
-
First round:
Alexandre TANSMAN, Sonatine, 1st movement in full
Orchestral excerpts
-
Second round:
- 1st movement (without cadenza) from one of the following concertos:
MOZART, Concerto en Bb Maj, KV191
or
WEBER, Concerto en F Maj, Op.75
- Orchestral excerpts
-
Third round:
Orchestral excerpts, part of Bassoon* :
BARTÓK, Concerto for orchestra
BEETHOVEN, Symphony n° 9, Finale
BERLIOZ, Fantastic Symphony
BRAHMS, Violin Concerto, 2nd movement
DUKAS, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
MOZART, The Marriage of Figaro, Overture
RAVEL, Spanish Rhapsody
RAVEL, Concerto in G, Presto (playing both parts)
RESPIGHI, Brazilian Impressions, 2nd movement
TCHAIKOVSKY, Symphony n° 6
Orchestral excerpts, part of Contrabassoon*:
BEETHOVEN, Symphony n° 5, Finale
RAVEL, Concerto for The Left Hand
RAVEL, Mother Goose, Suite
* A copy of the orchestral excerpts can be downloaded below.
Candidates are allowed to perform on their own contrabassoon. If necessary, they may use the contrabassoon provided by the OPRL (contrabassoon reference: FOX 543).
The orchestra’s pianist will be available to accompany you, BUT WITHOUT THE POSSIBILTY OF REHEARSING BEFORE HAND.
For all other enquiries and information, please contact us at: concours@oprl.be
About OPRL
Created in 1960, the Liège Royal Philharmonic Orchestra enjoys undisputed national and international renown and occupies a prime position among European orchestras. Find out more about OPRL and the reasons for joining our orchestra on the Vacancies page.