We are always pleased to welcome keen, competent players of a suitable standard to the Orchestra as and when vacancies arise. There is usually no formal audition, but the conductor, leader and committee reserve the right to ask new players, where appropriate, to undergo a trial period before inviting them to take part in concerts.

If you are a string player and would like to join the orchestra please get in touch with the Secretary.

Vacancies for woodwind and brass occur rather less frequently, but we do need extra instruments for some works, or players to deputise for our regular members on occasions, so it is well worth getting in touch.

The Orchestra rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7.15 pm to 9.30 pm during term-time at Christ Church, Glebe Road, Bayston Hill, SY3 0PZ. Concerts are normally given on Wednesday evenings at various locations.

Playing Members pay an annual subscription of £100 (FREE for students in full-time education). There are additional arrangements for part years.

Current Vacancies: PRINCIPAL BASSOON

(updated 21/01/2025)

There is a rare opportunity to lead the bassoon section in of one of the UK's longest-running orchestras. We rehearse every term-time Tuesday evening at Christ Church, Bayston Hill under the baton of our esteemed Music Director, John Moore. The rep is intensive and challenging.

If you have the experience and ability to become a section leader in the SSO, we would love to hear from you.

Members of the orchestra are expected to attend all rehearsals, or arrange their own deps. We usually perform three concerts a year, plus an outdoor charity concert in mid-July. All concerts are on Wednesday evenings. The date of our summer concert is Wednesday, June 26th 2025.  

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in an audition process before being appointed for a trial period of one full season.

Please send expressions of interest, including information about your playing background and relevant repertoire to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The closing date for applications is February 21st, 2025.

Other positions

If you think you would like to join the Orchestra, please register your interest in the first instance by contacting the secretary.