The following position is available at the Kuopio Symphony Orchestra
CELLO TUTTI (permanent)

Basic salary 2.752,14 / month. The salary is increased by the experience allowance according to KVTES and the attire and musical instrument allowances. In addition, media compensation is paid.

Position is filled starting from January 4, 2027. Trial period 6 months.

Applications: Closing date for applications is on Tuesday July 13, 2026 at 12 noon (Finnish time). Applications received after this date will not be accepted. Applications only at Vacancies in municipalities and welfare areas https://www.kuntarekry.fi/fi/tyopaikat/?&display=grid&limit=24&organisation=12&sort=-publish_from

The application form should be completed with a compact and up to date CV specifying, for example, the applicant’s musical education and work history in symphony orchestras. The post requires excellent skills as a musician, good social and communication skills as well as fluent skills in English. The winning candidates are expected to have a valid work permit to Finland at the beginning of the employment.

Audition: Monday August 17, 2026 starting at 12 noon at the Kuopio Music Centre Concert Hall (address: Kuopionlahdenkatu 23, Kuopio, Finland). The persons chosen for the audition based on the applications will be informed by Monday August 4, 2026. The orchestra will provide an accompanist for the audition, however, use of own accompanist at the applicant’s own expense is also possible. The audition may also include a short interview.

Audition assignments:
1. Haydn: Cello Concerto No 2 in D Major Op. 101 (1st movement)
2. One of the following romantic concertos of applicant’s choice:
Dvořak: Cello Concerto in B minor Op. 104 B. 191 (1st movement) OR
R. Schumann: Cello Concerto in A minor Op. 129 (1st movement)
3. Orchestral and chamber music excerpts can be downloaded from the KSO website starting from June 12 https://www.kuopionkaupunginorkesteri.fi/en/orchestra/open-positions/

Kuopio Music Centre and Kuopio Symphony Orchestra / Production Manager Markku Ruotsalainen +358 44 7182 362, markku.ruotsalainen@kuopio.fi.
Until 30.6.2026 Kuopio Symphony Orchestra / Orchestra Coordinator Henna Korkalainen +358 44 7182 363, henna.korkalainen@kuopio.fi

The city of Kuopio, The Kuopio Symphony Orchestra

The Kuopio Symphony Orchestra, the largest symphony orchestra in Eastern Finland, upholds more than 110 years of orchestral tradition in Kuopio while serving the wider region. Its home venue is the Concert Hall of the Kuopio Music Centre—renowned for its superb acoustics—where the majority of the orchestra’s performances are held. The ensemble comprises 44 musicians representing more than 15 nationalities.

Risto Joost will assume the role of Chief Conductor in autumn 2027. Until summer 2027, Kolja Blacher and Eugene Tzigane will serve as First Conductors, and Atso Almila will continue as Second Conductor.

In addition to the classical orchestral repertoire, the Kuopio Symphony Orchestra moves fluidly across genres, collaborating with artists from entertainment, pop, and rock music. Joint performances with other professional orchestras and choirs form an essential part of its artistic activity. For decades, the orchestra played a central role in the productions of the Kuopio Opera, has engaged in long term collaboration with the Savonlinna Opera Festival and other festivals, and has produced opera in cooperation with partners such as Moscow’s Novaya Opera. Its newest partner is Savo Opera: the orchestra took part in the world premiere of Minnan taivas in 2022, and in spring 2028 will perform in La bohème, directed by Antti Holma.

Audience and arts education is a vital part of the Kuopio Symphony Orchestra’s mission. The orchestra’s second godchild project—created for children born in Kuopio during Finland’s centenary year in 2017—concluded in January 2024. The orchestra also participates actively in audience and arts education initiatives (including the City of Kuopio’s Cultural Path and the national Taidetestaajat programme) and organises its own concerts for children.

The Kuopio Symphony Orchestra has performed internationally in countries including Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Austria, Japan, and China. It has recorded for Finlandia Records, the Japanese label Octavia Records, and Alba Records. Its most recent recording, made with Mikko Alatalo, was released in early 2026.

• Remote work: No remote work option
• Working time format: Full-time
• Trial period: 6 months