The Residentie Orkest Haag, one of the leading and most innovative orchestras in the Netherlands, is proving more than ever that symphonic music remains relevant to a large and diverse audience in the 21st century. The orchestra is based in Amare, the new education and cultural complex in the heart of The Hague. In addition to the symphonic canon, the orchestra also performs new works and crossover programs. The orchestra can frequently be heard on major stages in the Netherlands and various venues abroad. Throughout the orchestra’s rich history, conductors such as Hans Vonk, Evgenji Svetlanov, Jaap van Zweden, Neeme Järvi, Nicholas Collon, and Anja Bihlmaier have served as music directors of this internationally active ensemble.  

Jun Märkl has been chief conductor since summer 2025.Richard Egarr is attached to the orchestra as permanent guest conductor and Chloe Rooke is attached to the Residentie Orkest as emerging artist in residence until summer 2027.  

One of the spearheads in the ambitions of the Residentie Orkest is its educational policy. Every year, more than 30,000 school children participate in educational projects, making Residentie Orkest the driving force behind music education in The Hague. To this end, the orchestra has developed an educational and social program for all ages, with which Residentie Orkest contributes to social cohesion in The Hague. 

The orchestra is invariably involved in important events such as the annual Throne Speech. Together with the residents of (greater) The Hague, the orchestra also celebrates holidays such as Christmas, New Year, King's Day, Prinsjesdag and Diwali. Important are the collaborations with The Hague and national partners such as Nationaal Theater, Amare, Nederlands Danstheater, Koninklijk Conservatorium, Paard, De Nationale Opera, Nederlandse Opera Academie and the broadcast series of AvroTros and NTR. 

In addition, the orchestra works with numerous partners in the city as part of social activities with and for the community.

Job requirements

It goes without saying that you stand out as a violist and possess excellent skills as an orchestral and ensemble musician. In addition, especially as Principal, you are a natural, supportive leader who knows how to guide the group in an inspiring way.

For us it is essential that every colleague acts as an ambassador for our orchestra, and in addition to collective stage activities, cooperate in outreach and educational activities and productions in ensemble settings. We are searching for a positive and engaged team player who can strike the right balance between individuality and the collective. 

Application and procedure

Please submit your application in the form of a fully completed application form by April 29, 2026.

The audition for this role will take place on Monday , June Monday , and Tuesday , June Tuesday , 2026.
Required works:

• A choice between Carl Stamitz’s Concerto in D for Viola (1st movement plus cadenza) or Franz Anton Hoffmeister’s Concerto in D for Viola (1st movement plus cadenza);

• Choose between the first movement of Bartók’s Viola Concerto, the first movement of Walton’s Viola Concerto, or the first movement of Hindemith’s *Schwanendreher*;

• Bach: Sarabande from the 1st or 2nd Cello Suite;

• Beethoven: String Trio in C minor, Op. 9, No. 3 (1st movement), to be performed in the final round with members of the Residentie Orkest;

• orchestral parts yet to be determined.

The selection committee reserves the right to pre-select from written applications. An interview is an important part of the selection procedure. For more information about the procedure, please contact Sana van Iddekinge, Head of Personnel & organisation: sana.van.iddekinge@residentieorkest.nl or (070) 88 00 212.

Other information

To be considered for this job, the condition is that if you are from a non-EU country, you must have an indefinitely valid work and residence permit for the Netherlands. If you do not have this, we cannot consider your application. Upon appointment, we will ask for a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG). For more information about Residentie Orkest , please visit www.residentieorkest.nl.