Orchestra Auditions

Application Fee: FREE

Application Deadline:

In-Person Auditions are due December 15, 2026, 11:59PM Eastern Time, to allow time for facilitating the in-person audition schedule
Recorded Auditions are due with the initial application and may be submitted until January 2, 2027

Under Music Director Timothy Myers, the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra is one of the finest, most multifaceted, and vital professional opportunities in the US for early-career orchestral musicians. Each year, the group takes on a dynamic new identity as a central feature of diverse offerings in the Festival’s international programming. Through nationwide auditions, an exceptionally talented group of performers is selected to form the ensemble which performs major orchestral concerts, operas, ballets, and with other special projects such as cabarets and popular music acts. Alumni of the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra can be found in almost every professional orchestra in the United States and many abroad as well as many professional chamber music ensembles.

The Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra is presented in Charleston, SC alongside a world-class lineup of artists including classical music, pop music, jazz, theater, dance, and immersive offerings across over 100 events during the 17-day Festival.

Contracts range from 1-3 weeks with some contracts extending up to 4 weeks depending on need during the period of mid-May to mid-June each year.

Auditions occur via recordings and in-person on the following schedule:

Recorded auditions: due January 2, 2027 via the online application form
January 5, 2027: San Francisco, CA – SFCM
January 6, 2027: Los Angeles, CA – Colburn
January 8, 2027: Chicago, IL – Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra Space
January 10, 2027: Boston, MA – NEC
January 11-12, 2027: New York, NY – Opera America Center
January 14, 2027: Charleston, SC – Spoleto Festival USA Offices
January 16, 2027: Houston, TX – Rice
January 18, 2027: Miami, FL – New World Center

**Note that though we host many auditions on college campuses, applicants do not need to be current students to audition in those locations

Fellows receive:

Weekly Salary:

$600 for new fellows.
$650 for returning fellows from the 2026 season.

Travel Stipend (for those residing outside Charleston, SC):

$150 for 50–499 miles traveled.
$250 for 500–999 miles traveled.
$350 for 1,000+ miles traveled.
Note: This stipend is considered taxable income.

Housing Options (for those residing outside Charleston, SC):

Free dormitory housing at the College of Charleston with shared living spaces, shared bathrooms, and a communal kitchen and social space.
OR a one-time housing stipend of $40 per workday (must reside outside Charleston, SC and not use Festival-provided housing). Note: This stipend is considered taxable income.

Eligibility & Requirements

Selected fellows must be able to pass and maintain a clear background check.
Orchestra Fellows are classified as seasonal employees of Spoleto Festival USA for the duration of their employment.
Selected fellows must be available to reside in Charleston and attend rehearsals on a dynamic schedule for the entire period of residency (contract lengths vary, but could start as early as mid-May and end as late as June 13, 2027).
Selected fellows should be prepared to rehearse for and perform in orchestra concerts, operas, ballets, and/or other special projects as assigned.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the engagement. Spoleto Festival USA does not petition for or sponsor visas. Acceptable documentation includes U.S. citizenship, permanent residency (green card), or CPT authorization through a U.S. institution. If you need to apply for OPT, you must apply prior to January 1, 2027, or be prepared to pay for premium processing.

*Please note that ALL past fellows must re-apply as there are no re-invitations without application.

All auditions are heard by Music Director, Timothy Myers and Orchestra Manager, Shawn Galvin.

For questions, contact Philip Snyder, Producer at psnyder@spoletousa.org.

Spoleto Festival USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital or parental status, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, medical condition, hairstyle or hair texture, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to building an environment where every individual is valued and empowered. Our greatest strength comes from our ability to come together as unique individuals. We invite you to come as you are and bring the best version of yourself.

Spoleto Festival USA also complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations in the application or audition process. If you need assistance, please contact Philip Snyder, Producer at psnyder@spoleto.org.