Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra announces audition for International Orchestral Academy.

Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava, based in Ostrava is one of the leading symphonic orchestras of the Czech Republic. Long orchestral tradition, typical bohemian sound and progressive repertoire are very much praised both by local audience and international reviewers. Excellence in performing not only Janáček, but most of the late-romantic to contemporary repertoire is one of the orchestra‘s strengths.

In 2025-2026 season the orchestra hosts conductors such as the designed chief conductor Daniel Raiskin and guest conductors Andrey Boreyko, Ingo Metzmacher, Martyn Brabbins, Robert Jindra a Pierre Bleuse and soloists such as Elina Garanča, Alexei Volodin, Johannes Moser, Kateřina Kněžíková, Claire Huangci.

The International Orchestral Academy (IOA) is suitable especially for students and graduates of music performance programmes at university level. The internship is unpaid and therefore highly suitable for Erasmus+ recipients. All academy members are responsible for securing themselves to cover all costs of their stay, such as travel expenses to/from Ostrava, accommodation, per diems, insurance, concert clothing, etc.

Trainees will gain hands-on orchestral experience in one of the leading Czech orchestras, taking part in most of the orchestra performances (subscription concerts, touring projects both locally and internationally). Trainees shall receive mentoring by the principal players of the orchestra.

Working language: English

IOA opens positions in these sections for the winter semester of the season 2025-2026:
1st and 2nd VIOLINS, VIOLA, VIOLONCELLO, DOUBLE BASS, HARP*

Applicants can become members of the Academy in the period:
Winter semester: 27th August 2025 – 29th January 2026.

Application deadline is 11th May 2025.

Results will be announced by mail on 19th May 2025.

Admission terms:
Selection process is based on live video recordings of orchestral parts and solo composition. Your curriculum will also be considered.

We require live uncut video recordings of:

1)    orchestral parts (where marked, play only selected bars) as one uncut video. You can find all SCORES OF ORCHESTRAL PARTS on DROPBOX

2)    excerpts from 2 contrast movements from solo composition ad libitum (max 10min)

* The projects to involve harp will be consulted individually with the principal harpist depending on the difficulty of the individual projects. We cannot guarantee a certain number of performances, but we will aim to provide as many opportunities to perform as possible.

Online APPLICATION to the Academy

If you have any questions, please contact the IOA coordinator on: