2021 Violin Fellowship Search

About:
In 1989, the Montgomery Symphony Association’s Board of Directors established a program to promote the concert careers of promising young violinists through its Violin Fellowship program. Based on the overwhelming success of the Violin Fellowship, the Symphony expanded the program in 1996 to include a Cello Fellowship. For a list of former Fellows, click here.

The MSO Violin Fellow is encouraged to perform solo engagements, enter competitions, and accept significant outside performance opportunities that may further his or her career during the Fellowship period. The Association Board requires, however, that the Fellow establish a residence in Montgomery, Alabama, and that any absences from Montgomery Symphony Orchestra (MSO) performances or rehearsals be approved in advance by the Music Director.

• Candidates for the 2021-2023 Violin Fellowship should have completed their formal musical education and be at the beginning of their professional performing careers.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and during the period of the residency (the MSO will not sponsor visas for fellows).

Fellowship Duties:
As a Featured Artist: Perform a concerto with the MSO on the October classical subscription concert.
As a Recitalist: Perform three scheduled solo recitals each season in Montgomery. A modest artist fee is provided for pianists.
As an Orchestral Violinist: Serve as the MSO Principal Violinist and Concertmaster at weekly rehearsals and at the 7-scheduled classical and pops concerts each season of the MSO from August 2021 to May 2023.

Stipend: $35,000 per nine-month season.
Engagement: August 2021 through May 2023. While the Fellowship is intended to be a two-year engagement, the second season continuation will be upon agreement between the MSO and the Fellow. The months of June and July are free for the Fellow.

How to Apply:
Candidates must submit an audio recording (no video) of two contrasting works suitable for recital and a full resume which includes the names, addresses (mailing and email) and telephone numbers (both studio and home) of three people who will serve as references. Incomplete applications will not be considered for the final round.

Recordings: File names must include the candidate’s name. Pieces chosen for the initial application are at the candidate’s discretion and may or may not be the same pieces chosen for the final round (see below). Candidates may choose, for example, to submit files which were recorded previously and which may not specifically conform to the requirements listed below for the final round. While this practice is perfectly acceptable, it is expected that recent recordings will be submitted for application.

Application Deadline: June 14, 2021.

Contact us at montgomerysymphony@gmail.com with any questions.

Final Round: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the final round of competition and interviews will be held virtually. Finalists will be chosen from submitted application materials and will then be scheduled for an interview and audition with the selection committee via Zoom. All finalists will perform two contrasting unaccompanied works.

An Equal Opportunity Employer: It is the Montgomery Symphony Association’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Association does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status or any other basis prohibited under federal, state or local law. The Association also provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).