Welcome to the HSO Fellowship Program

The HSO Musician Fellowship is designed to support a multi-faceted community culture of unity, fairness, and equality in the Greater Hartford area. The program provides early-career, orchestral string musicians (violin, viola, cello, bass) from historically underrepresented groups in the classical music industry with invaluable professional experience and career development opportunities within the HSO.

Program Benefits & Structure

Through rehearsals, performances, mentorships, coaching, audition preparation, and educational workshops, Fellows will receive comprehensive support to advance their careers.

Professional Development

Fellows will receive support for professional growth, including mock auditions, lessons, and mentoring sessions.

Mentorship

Fellows may be paired with mentors selected through a mutually agreeable process to provide guidance and support.

Housing

Housing is available to fellows through the HSO’s “Homestay” program.

Fellowship Duration

Each Fellowship spans two years, during which Fellows will engage in various activities outlined by the HSO.

Number of Fellowships

Up to four Fellows may be selected for each two-year period. Instruments include violin, viola, cello and double bass.

Program Eligibility

Candidates will undergo auditions and must meet the audition requirements specified by the HSO.

Compensation

Compensation for musicians in the HSO Musician Fellowship Program is per the prevailing HSO 2025-26 season wage rate of $160.94 per service, as governed by the Master Agreement between the HSO and the American Federation of Musicians, Local 400.

Opportunities Beyond the Fellowship

Fellows are invited to audition for contracted-player positions during or after their Fellowship. 

The application process for the fellowship program involves several steps to ensure a fair and thorough selection of candidates. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the application process: 

Application Submission: Interested candidates are required to submit their application materials, including a resume or CV and any additional documents requested by the Symphony.

Audition Requirement: All applicants must undergo an in-person audition as part of the application process. The audition will be conducted in accordance with the audition protocols outlined in the HSO’s Master Agreement. Specific details regarding the audition requirements and repertoire will be provided to applicants in advance.

Audition Evaluation: Auditioners will be evaluated by a panel consisting of the Music Director of the Symphony and the Principals or Assistant Principals of the relevant String instrument section. Each audition will be assessed based on criteria such as technique, rhythm, pitch, sound, style, and musicality.

Selection: At the conclusion of the auditions, selected candidates will be selected based on their performance, qualifications, and potential to contribute to the fellowship program.

Notification: Selected candidates will be notified of their acceptance into the fellowship program.

Acceptance and Commitment: Upon receiving an offer, candidates must confirm their acceptance of the fellowship and agree to adhere with the terms and conditions outlined by the Master Contract Agreement between the Hartford Symphony and the American Federation of Musicians Local 400 and the HSO Musicians Fellowship Memorandum of Understanding. Fellows must be active and current members of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 400 before participation in the Fellowship commences. 

These opportunities will provide Fellows with practical experience and exposure to multiple facets of symphonic music. Specifically, performance opportunities may include:

Masterworks Concerts: Participation in classical repertoire performances showcasing the mastery of orchestral compositions.

Pops Concerts: Participation in contemporary and popular music concerts. 

Talcott Mountain Music Festival: Engagement in outdoor summer concert series featuring a mix of classical and popular music in a relaxed, outdoor setting.

Discovery Concerts: Participation in educational concerts designed to introduce symphonic music to diverse audiences, including students and families.

Other Performance Opportunities:  Involvement in educational and community engagement initiatives, such as our annual Gala, Young Artist Competition and Small Ensemble performances, allowing connections to audiences beyond traditional concert settings.

Performance opportunities will be selected in consultation with each Fellow and closely aligned with their individual professional development needs.

This Fellowship is made possible by a generous grant from The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.