Auditions violin

The Netherlands Bach Society is a professional Early Music ensemble best known for its exciting and inspired performances of 17th and 18th-century repertoire. We give around 60 concerts a year, and our All of Bach project, which features top-quality recordings of J.S. Bach’s works, has attracted millions of viewers throughout the world. The ensemble has approximately thirty musicians, with a core violin section of six violinists, including the concertmaster. We are looking for one violinist to complement our core section.

• Core repertoire includes the major works of J.S. Bach and extends to both earlier and later periods. 
• Significant experience in historically informed performance practise is essential.
• We prefer candidates who live in the Netherlands and are taxable here for their remuneration. Musicians are contracted on a per-project basis. Musicians who live abroad are welcome to apply, however, successful foreign candidates must apply for a Dutch social security number in due course. Accommodation is not provided for foreign musicians during projects. Only travel expenses in the Netherlands are reimbursed.
• Fees are paid according to the CLA music ensembles (CAO muziekensembles).
• The successful candidate will be invited for a trial period to become a core member of the Netherlands Bach Society. 
• Multiple candidates may be selected for a trial period.

Procedure: applications, auditions and trials
• Auditions will take place on November 3 2025, at the Berenkuil, Biltstraat 166 in Utrecht and will be live only (not online).
• The application deadline is September 30 2025. Please complete the application form.
• Selection for the auditions is based on the assessment of the CV and a recent video recording of two contrasting movements (one fast and one slow) for solo violin or violin and harpsichord/continuo by J.S. Bach. You can upload your CV and recording via the application form. Please note: each movement must be recorded in a single take.
• Applicants will be notified by email on October 15 whether they have been invited to audition and will then receive a link to the sheet music for the required audition repertoire.

Auditie repertoire
• J.S. Bach, Sonata for harpsichord and violin no. 1 in B minor BWV 1014: Adagio and Allegro
• H.I. von Biber, Sonata 3 in F major (Violin Sonatas1681): 1st and 2nd movement (Adagio and Aria)
• J.S. Bach, from 'Gebt mir meinen Jesum wieder', St Matthew Passion BWV 244: bar 1-13
• J.S. Bach, from Mass in B minor BWV 232: opening tuttis of Christe Eleison (bar 1-10) and Agnus Dei (bar 1-9)

Contact
If you have any questions, please contact Hilde Van Ruymbeke at hilde.vanruymbeke@bachvereniging.nl.