Principal Horn (70%)

The North Netherlands Orchestra (NNO) is a versatile,

leading symphony orchestra that treads surprising paths in special productions.

With its core values of artistic excellence, social commitment, and innovation, the NNO is a crucial catalyst of the cultural ecosystem in the North. From its home base Groningen, the NNO plays in concert halls, but also outdoors, at schools and at other venues. Besides providing concerts in the Northern Netherlands, the NNO can regularly be heard on stages elsewhere in the country (including the Concertgebouw Amsterdam and Tivoli Vredenburg Utrecht). In addition, the NNO initiates music education and participation activities in the Northern region.

Eivind Gullberg Jensen is chief conductor and Hartmut Haenchen is permanent guest conductor. Antony Hermus is attached to the NNO as honorary conductor. The orchestra consists of about 70 musicians.

The NNO brings a diverse audience into contact with symphonic music and attaches significant importance to this. We therefore value diversity in the orchestral workplace. For more information, please visit www.nno.nu

The NNO requires a candidate to fill the following position:

Principal Horn (70%)

Audition date                            : November 26^th 2025

Closing date for applications     : October 8^th 2025

Starting date                             : by agreement

Applicants should:

• be an exceptional soloist.
• preferably have leadership experience.
• be able to lead the horn section (including guest players), to guide and motivate the players.
• be able to assist the management when required, in artistic or personnel matters regarding the horn section or the whole orchestra.
• be a team player who feels at home in a symphony orchestra.
• have a positive, studious and flexible attitude.

Terms of employment:

• The contract is initially for a probationary period, which can be extended, becoming a permanent position if both parties are in agreement.
• 70% contract comprising 85% playing (= 60%), the remainder to be used for tasks as section leader. In the spring a new employment condition concerning these working hours will be implemented, this will apply to this contract.
• Required to play 3^rd  or 5^th  horn and Wagnertuba when necessary.
• Salary: scale 3 as in the Dutch Orchestras’ Collective Labour Agreement.
• Contribution to the ABP Pension Fund is compulsory.

Selection Procedure:

• There are three parts to the selection procedure. Firstly, an audition is held to assess if the candidate has the required artistic qualities to be considered for the position. Secondly, an interview will take place in which the candidate’s affinity with the orchestra, their social leadership skills and qualities will be discussed and assessed. Finally, part of the selection procedure consists of assessing the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses giving clarity to expectations of the leadership role.
•  Applications should be sent in writing (by email) and should include a motivation letter along with a Curriculum Vitae.
• Applicants should be either EU citizens or in possession of unrestricted Dutch work and residence permits. Selection for the audition will be made based on the written applications.
• The application, along with proof of nationality and copies of work and residence permit where required, must be received by October 8^th 2025.

Compulsory works:

1. A. Mozart, Horn concerto’s No. 4, K. 495, first movement
2. Strauss, Horn concerto’s No. 1, Op. 11, first and second movement
3. Orchestral works

The orchestral works will be disclosed with the invitation for the audition.

Further information:

The audition will take place in Groningen. For further information regarding terms of the contract please contact Marleen van Buren, NNO HR Advisor, via hr@nno.nu. For more information regarding the audition procedure please contact Janneke Olthuis, NNO auditions secretary at auditions@nno.nu.

Contact details:

email                : auditions@nno.nu

telephone         : +31 (0)50 3695800