Senior Orchestra.

Age: up to 21

Playing standard: Grade 8 and above

Through a carefully planned programme of sectional and full rehearsals, NYSO’s Senior residencies set out to help young players develop the special ensemble skills and techniques necessary to play successfully as a member of a chamber orchestra section. The aim is for each section to play “as one”.

Major works in the string orchestra repertoire, from the baroque era through to the present day, are selected for the various challenges they present; both technical and musical. Students work with Artistic Director Damian Iorio as well as a team of professional string players whose careers have been spent performing these works all over the world.

Residency dates 2024:

Spring: 7 – 11 April 2024 – Stamford School, Oswald Elliott Hall, East Street, Stamford, PE9 1QF

Summer: 16 – 24 August 2024 – Stamford School, Oswald Elliott Hall, East Street, Stamford, PE9 1QF

*2025 dates announced 1st August 2024

Applications for 2025 will be accepted from August 2024

Our Auditions & Applications pages will go live from 1st August 2024

Find out more about NYSO’s Artistic Director and Senior Orchestra Music Director Damian Iorio and the team.

 

An essential experience.

“ The team spirit and our combined love of music making makes NYSO extra special.
I’ve made friends for life who inspired me and push me to be the best I can.”

Previous repertoire includes:
Tchaikovsky – Serenade, Shostakovich – Chamber Symphony, Howells – Concerto for String Orchestra, Britten – Variations of a Theme of Frank Bridge, Schoenberg – Verklarte Nacht, Strauss – Metamorphosen

Fees.

Fees for 2025: £2184 (includes £250 non-refundable place acceptance deposit).

In response to concern for exam preparation time, NYSO have reduced the number of Spring residency days to 5 instead of 6. In addition during the Spring residency NYSO will be scheduling time for personal study for all those that require it.

Audition Information & Requirements.

*Applications for NYSO’s 2025 orchestras will be accepted from 1st August 2024.*

Application form live on 1st August. 

How to apply:

Applications to audition for NYSO’s 2025 orchestras can be submitted 1st August – 31st October 2024. Auditions are by video only, more information coming soon.

  1. Upload your audition video/s to YouTube (public or unlisted) or Vimeo.
  2. Complete and submit the application form (coming soon). Links to your audition video/s may be submitted either with your application form, or later via the video submission box (coming soon) by the applications deadline 31 October 2024
  3. If you wish to apply for a Bursary, the Bursary application form must also be filled out and submitted by the same deadline 31 October 2024.
Audition requirements for the senior orchestra:
  • Two contrasting pieces of own choice. Playing with an accompanist is at your discretion.
  • Orchestral excerpts. The links for the 2025 excerpts will be available here from 1st August.
  •  Scales and arpeggios.
    1. In your first key play the major scale + minor arpeggio + minor 3rd scale.
    2. In your second key play the minor scale (harmonic or melodic) + major arpeggio + major 6th.

Scale notes: Preferably 3 octaves, you may choose either slurred or separate bows, or a mix. Double stops can be played broken/stepped or together.
Basses – double stops not required. If playing in the keys of E and G preferably 3 octaves, any other keys can be 2 octaves.

Video instructions:
  • Please state your first and last name clearly before playing anything.
  • Before each piece/orchestral excerpt/scale, please state the title and composer/identify which scale you will be playing before each one.
  • Set up the camera so we can see the musician from at least the waist up, and position the music stand so we can see the musician’s instrument as well. *For those auditioning on larger instruments, such as cello and double bass, please try to capture as much of the musician as possible in the picture.
  • Check that the sound quality of the recording is satisfactory and without distortion before uploading.
  • You may record your entire audition in one take, or record your piece(s)/scales/excerpts separately. If you have multiple recordings, if possible, please submit them as one link (e.g. either multiple youtube videos in a folder, or edit the videos together). 
Audition Fee:

None

Bursaries.

NYSO’s bursary scheme exists for students from families who would find it difficult to meet the costs involved in attending NYSO residencies.

More Info