Application Deadline: December 15, 2025, 11:59PM Eastern Time
*Recorded auditions are due with the initial application
Application Fee: FREE
Audition Repertoire: link
Click HERE to apply
Under Music Director Timothy Myers, the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra is one of the finest, most multifaceted, and vital professional opportunities in the US for early-career orchestral musicians. Each year, the group takes on a dynamic new identity as a central feature of diverse offerings in the Festival’s international programming. Through nationwide auditions, an exceptionally talented group of performers is selected to form the ensemble which performs major orchestral concerts, operas, ballets, and with other special projects such as cabarets and popular music acts. Alumni of the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra can be found in almost every professional orchestra in the United States and many abroad as well as many professional chamber music ensembles.
The Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra is presented in Charleston, SC alongside a world-class lineup of artists including classical music, pop music, jazz, theater, dance, and immersive offerings across over 100 events during the 17-day Festival.
Contracts range from 1-3 weeks with some contracts extending up to 4 weeks depending on need during the period of mid-May to mid-June each year.
Auditions occur via recordings and in-person on the following schedule in 2026:
January 6 – Boston, MA (New England Conservatory)
January 7-8 – New York, NY (Opera America Center) *No percussion/timpani auditions
January 9 – Chicago, IL (CYSO Space)
January 10 – Ann Arbor, MI (University of Michigan)
January 12 – Los Angeles, CA (Colburn)
February 9 – Miami, FL (New World Center)
February 11 – Houston, TX (Rice)
February 13 – Charleston, SC (Spoleto Offices) *No percussion/timpani auditions
*Recorded auditions are due with the initial application, instructions are available at the bottom of the Repertoire Document
**Note that though we host many auditions on college campuses, applicants do not need to be current students to audition in those locations
Fellows receive:
- Weekly Salary:
- $600 for new fellows.
- $650 for returning fellows from the 2025 season.
- Travel Stipend (for those residing outside Charleston, SC):
- $150 for 50–499 miles traveled.
- $250 for 500–999 miles traveled.
- $350 for 1,000+ miles traveled.
- Note: This stipend is considered taxable income.
- Housing Options (for those residing outside Charleston, SC):
- Free dormitory housing at the College of Charleston with shared living spaces, shared bathrooms, and a communal kitchen and social space.
- OR a one-time housing and ground transportation buyout of $40 per night (must reside outside Charleston, SC and not use Festival-provided housing). Note: This stipend is also considered taxable income.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Selected fellows must be able to pass and maintain a clear background check.
- Orchestra Fellows are classified as seasonal employees of Spoleto Festival USA for the duration of their employment.
- Selected fellows must be available to reside in Charleston and attend rehearsals on a dynamic schedule for the entire period of residency (contract lengths vary, but could start as early as mid-May and end as late as June 8, 2026).
- Selected fellows should be prepared to rehearse for and perform in orchestra concerts, operas, ballets, and/or other special projects as assigned.
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the engagement. Spoleto Festival USA does not petition for or sponsor visas. Acceptable documentation includes U.S. citizenship, permanent residency (green card), or CPT authorization through a U.S. institution. OPT may not align with spring graduation timelines, so please consult your international student advisor to confirm eligibility.
*Please note that ALL past fellows must re-apply as there are no re-invitations without application for the 2026 Festival.
All auditions are heard by Music Director, Timothy Myers and Orchestra Manager Shawn Galvin.
For questions, contact Philip Snyder, Producer at [email protected].
Spoleto Festival USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital or parental status, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, medical condition, hairstyle or hair texture, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to building an environment where every individual is valued and empowered. Our greatest strength comes from our ability to come together as unique individuals. We invite you to come as you are and bring the best version of yourself.
Spoleto Festival USA also complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations in the application or audition process. If you need assistance, please contact Philip Snyder, Producer at [email protected].