Call for conductors

The Orchestra of the Vienna University of Technology (TU Orchestra Vienna) is announcing the musical direction of the orchestra starting from the summer semester 2026 (beginning in March 2026).

Application deadline: 07 December 2025

Please send your application by e-mail to bewerbung@tuorchester.at.
Application documents: CV, motivation letter, representative video (max. 10 min), program concept – for details see “Application”.

Job description

The TU Orchestra is an amateur orchestra with a large symphonic instrumentation, founded in 1984 at the Vienna University of Technology. The association board is responsible for the administration and organization of the orchestra, supported by the council of principal players.

The role of the conductor is to select suitable musical programs for the orchestra and to realize them through rehearsals and concerts. The orchestra strives to achieve and demand a high musical standard and the best possible artistic realization – while maintaining a friendly atmosphere and strong interpersonal connection through shared music-making.

Each semester, one concert program must be prepared and performed (details below). Traditionally, the orchestra also performs at the opening of the TU Ball, with additional rehearsals in January. Special projects such as opera performances, conference openings, concert tours, etc., are arranged in consultation with the board; proposals for such projects may also be initiated by the conductor.

If the conductor is unable to attend scheduled rehearsals or projects, they are responsible for arranging a suitable substitute in due time.

Responsibilities

  • Designing and selecting the TU Orchestra’s musical programs in coordination with the association board

  • Organizing the rehearsal process: creating rehearsal schedules, preparing sheet music together with principal players, organizing guest instructors for sectional rehearsals

  • Leading rehearsals and concerts during the regular semester period (weekly rehearsals on Tuesdays, 19:15–21:45, from October–December and March–June + one rehearsal weekend each in Nov/Dec and May/June + at least two concerts each in December and June)

  • By arrangement: organization and conducting of rehearsals and concerts for additional special projects

Desired profile

  • Musical and didactic skills for leading a large symphony orchestra (50+ members)

  • Enthusiasm and curiosity for working with ambitious amateur musicians

  • Organizational skills for structured planning and implementation of rehearsal work

  • Sufficient knowledge of German for conducting rehearsals in the German language

The TU Orchestra traditionally serves as a platform for emerging conductors to gain orchestral experience and expand their repertoire. A completed degree in conducting is therefore not required for application.

The conductor commits to fulfilling the announced responsibilities for at least 2 years / 4 academic semesters (through the end of the winter semester 2027/28). By mutual agreement, the collaboration between conductor and orchestra can be extended for additional semesters.

Compensation

With the support of the TU Wien rectorate, the orchestra can offer a compensation of €1,800 per semester. The amount is paid to the conductor upon submission of an invoice. If guest conductors are required for regular orchestra activities due to absences, the orchestra reserves the right to allocate proportional parts of this amount to guest conductors.

Application

Please submit the following documents:

  • Curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages) with contact details

  • Cover letter (max. 1 page) outlining your motivation, possible musical focuses/goals

  • Concept for one semester program of the TU Orchestra (max. 1 page) – list of past concert programs as reference: TUO Repertoire

  • Representative conducting video (maximum duration: 10 minutes) as a downloadable link or upload on a common video platform (rehearsal recordings are welcome!)

Please note that applications not complying with these requirements (e.g., significantly longer videos) cannot be considered.

Please send your application no later than 07 December 2025 by e-mail to bewerbung@tuorchester.at.

Selection process

  • Round 1: Review of application materials and preselection by orchestra vote by 18 December 2025

  • Round 2: Interviews with approx. 10 candidates conducted by the orchestra board (December 2025 – January 2026)

  • Round 3: Audition conducting session with 3–5 candidates: Tuesday, 27 January 2025, 19:15, Main Building TU Wien

After the audition, the orchestra will elect one candidate by secret ballot. The decision will be communicated promptly. The engagement begins with one trial semester, usually followed by an extension to a total engagement of two to three years.

Interested candidates are warmly invited to visit one of our rehearsals (Tuesdays from 19:15). Please get in touch beforehand with our chairperson Aileen Ritter-Prieler aileen.ritter-prieler@tuorchester.at.

We thank you for your interest and wish you the best of success with your application!

Applications are submitted at the applicants’ own expense and responsibility. No claims for remuneration or reimbursement can be made against the Orchestra of the Vienna University of Technology. Application materials will not be returned. By participating in the selection process, applicants acknowledge these conditions.