Perform with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
The Calgary Philharmonic employs 66 full-time Orchestra musicians and currently performs a 40-week season. The musicians are employees of the Calgary Philharmonic Society and receive a comprehensive health benefits package, including dental, prescription, disability, massage, and physiotherapy. The base annual salary for the 2022/2023 Season is $52,202.40, with a 10% pension contribution. The Calgary Phil partners with Calgary Opera, Alberta Ballet, and the Honens International Piano Competition. Additional performance opportunities are available through extensive education programs. Currently, the Orchestra has a sizeable endowment fund.
The Calgary Philharmonic celebrated 65 years as a pillar of Calgary’s vibrant arts community in 2020 and has grown to be one of Canada’s most celebrated live music ensembles. Led by Music Director Rune Bergmann, the Orchestra presents classical standards, pop favourites, bold collaborations, and cutting-edge new works and attracts world-renowned guest artists and dynamic conductors each season. In addition to 66 orchestra musicians, the Calgary Phil is one of two major symphony orchestras in Canada with its own Chorus of over 120 volunteer singers, which celebrates 60 years in 2023. In a typical season, the Calgary Phil welcomes over 100,000 visitors to the concert hall, connects with thousands of students through its educational programs, and reaches audiences worldwide through free and accessible digital programming.
The Calgary Phil is a member orchestra of the National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS). NAAS is an unprecedented initiative to increase diversity in North American orchestras. It does so by offering Black and Latinx musicians a customized combination of mentoring, audition preparation, financial support, and audition previews. NAAS is made up of the Sphinx Organization, the lead program administrator and fiscal agent for the Alliance; the New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy; and the League of American Orchestras, representing 700 orchestras. A group of Black and Latinx professional musicians act as thought leaders, guides, and advisors for the Alliance. NAAS is supported by a three-year grant of $1.95M from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation as well as contributions from over 100 orchestras across North America. Calgary Phil is one of two Canadian orchestras to join the initiative.
Upcoming Orchestra Auditions
Sing with the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus
Celebrating 60 years in 2023, the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus is a group of more than 120 volunteer singers from all walks of life who deliver excellence in the performance of choral music and promote the enjoyment and development of choral singing in Calgary communities. Established in 1963, the Chorus is a professional-level performing partner to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and one of only two choruses in Canada that is part of a major professional symphony orchestra. The Chorus, led by Chorus Director Mark Bartel, performs a wide variety of repertoire, including oratorio, opera, classical standards, pop favourites, and commissioned new works. In a typical season, the acclaimed ensemble is featured in four to eight concerts with the Orchestra.
Interested in auditioning to join the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus?
Please get in touch with Chorus Administrator Katt Hryciw.