The Benemérita National Symphony Orchestra (OSN) has officially launched its 2026 Season with the announcement of an official call aimed at attracting new talent to its ranks. After a historic year in which the ensemble celebrated its 85th anniversary, the National Music Center (CNM) confirmed the opening of auditions to fill strategic positions for interim musicians under the Civil Service system. The process, which has drawn the attention of both the national and international musical community, seeks to guarantee the technical excellence of the orchestra in view of an ambitious concert agenda scheduled for this year.
Among the most prominent positions in this call is that of Assistant Concertmaster, a high-profile vacancy that requires a consolidated artistic level and a proven professional trajectory spanning between 15 and 25 years in the musical arts. According to the official guidelines, the selected candidate is expected to formally assume their duties beginning in February 2026. In addition, the institution is maintaining selection processes to reinforce other key sections, including violin, principal flute, and assistant double bass, thus ensuring a solid sonic structure for the large-format performances that characterize the ensemble.
The audition process is governed by a strict protocol that guarantees impartiality and quality. Aspiring musicians must pass two phases of in-person evaluations before a judging panel composed of section leaders and the artistic direction, currently under the baton of Spanish conductor Andrés Salado. During these tests, participants must demonstrate their technical skill through the performance of required works, highly complex orchestral solos, and sight-reading, often completing the initial stages behind a screen to ensure that selection is based exclusively on auditory merit.
The call is open to both Costa Rican and foreign citizens. The latter must have their immigration documentation in order or be willing to regularize their status to work in the country in case of being selected. Applications are processed digitally through the official National Music Center portal, where interested candidates must attach their academic certificates and résumés. This recruitment effort coincides with a stage of renewal for the OSN, which under Salado’s baton seeks a more vibrant artistic vision that is closer to the public, consolidating its role as Costa Rica’s cultural jewel.
Guide for interested applicants:
Official website: www.cnm.go.cr/auditions
Administrative contact: For details regarding the submission of scores and schedules, musicians may email: recursoshcnm@mcj.go.cr or call (506) 2240-0333.
