FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2025
San Antonio Philharmonic Holds Blind Auditions For 2025-2026 Season
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – The San Antonio Philharmonic is pleased to announce blind auditions for several principal positions for the 2025-2026 season, reinforcing the nonprofits commitment to equitable and inclusive practices in the orchestral community.
Blind auditions involve musicians performing behind a screen, ensuring that selections are made solely based on musical ability. This method has been shown to help increase the representation of women and people of color in orchestras. While there is still work to be done, SA Phil celebrates the equitable auditions process that contributes to the diversity and professional standards of San Antonio's sole union orchestra.
"We believe that blind auditions are essential in creating a fair and unbiased selection process," said Karen Stiles, Auditions Coordinator of the San Antonio Philharmonic. "By focusing solely on the artistry of the musicians, we aim to foster an orchestra that truly reflects musical excellence.”
The San Antonio Philharmonic is the only orchestra in San Antonio that conducts blind auditions, a practice strongly encouraged by the Musicians' Society of San Antonio (Local 23, American Federation of Musicians). In 2023, the Philharmonic reached its first collective bargaining agreement with Local 23, further demonstrating its commitment to fair hiring practices and equitable treatment of musicians. Prominent orchestras including Boston Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic and others use blind auditions as an industry standard.
As the Philharmonic continues its mission to foster excellence and inclusivity, it welcomes applications from talented musicians across the nation and internationally.
Audition Details:
Principal Horn
Preliminary Round: May 15, 2025
Final Round: May 16, 2025
Principal Flute
Preliminary Round: May 17, 2025
Final Round: May 18, 2025
Principal Oboe
Preliminary Round: May 19, 2025
Final Round: May 20, 2025
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025
For more information, visit www.saphil.org/auditions.
ABOUT THE SAN ANTONIO PHILHARMONIC
The San Antonio Philharmonic is a nonprofit symphony orchestra dedicated to bringing world-class music to the heart of Texas, offering a wide range of performances designed to inspire and connect the community. Building on the legacies of orchestras dating back more than a century in San Antonio, the San Antonio Philharmonic was re-formed in 2022 from the dissolved San Antonio Symphony, championing the initiative of its own musicians to build an inclusive classical music experience reflecting the city’s diverse heritage. With a mission to promote artistic excellence and make classical music accessible for all, the Philharmonic presents both timeless masterpieces and contemporary works that reflect the spirit of San Antonio. Find the full calendar of events at www.saphil.org
The San Antonio Philharmonic invites school groups of middle, high school and college age to attend free-admission Open Rehearsals at the Scottish Rite. Students will see and hear how a professional ensemble rehearses while being exposed to masterpieces of the Classics Series repertoire and world-class guest artist performances.
Open Rehearsals reservations are open only to educators and are designed for students grades 6 and above (age 11+). All educational groups must reserve in advance prior to the Friday before the performance dates by emailing education@saphil.org.
¡Forward Together, Adelante Juntos!
For questions or to schedule interviews and appearances, please contact: marketing@saphil.org
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