Senior Orchestra.
Through a carefully planned programme of sectional and full rehearsals, NYSO’s Senior Course sets 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”.
Playing level: Grade 8 and above
Ages: up to 21
Previous repertoire includes:
Britten – Prelude and Fugue for 18 strings 2018
Strauss – Metamorphosen 2018
Stravinsky – Apollon musagète 2017
Beethoven – Quartet no. 11 op 95 arr. Mahler 2017

Fees. (Easter & Summer courses)
Fees for 2019: £2080 (includes £250 non-refundable place acceptance deposit)
Fees for 2020 tbc.
Applications to audition for 2020 orchestra membership are now accepted
Audition Information & Requirements.
If you are aged up to 21 and you are a string player of Associated Board Grade 8 standard or above, you can apply to audition for the National Youth String Orchestra. Auditions are held in September of each year for a place in NYSO for the following year. This page outlines what you need for an audition.
We like to meet candidates and hear them play in person, but we are also happy to accept Multi-Media recordings as auditions. Online applications to be received by 10 September 2018. Video Multi-Media auditions to be received by 20 September 2018.
Accompanist
An official accompanist will be provided at all live auditions
Audition Repertoire
Two contrasting pieces of own choice
Scales and arpeggios in 2 keys of own choice, to the extent of 3 octaves. Bowings to be slurred 3 octaves to a bow, or separate bows. Rhythm is even notes throughout. 3rds, 6ths, 8ves all in one key of own choice, can be different keys for each section if preferred, to the extent of 2 octaves. Rhythm is at choice, double stops broken/stepped or together, bowing either separate or slurred in any combination
Short sight-reading excerpt
Audition Fee
None
Audition Dates
2019 auditions for 2020, dates tbc.
Audition venue options: Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, London, Manchester
Bursaries.
NYSO’s bursary scheme exists for students from families who would find it difficult to meet the costs involved in attending NYSO courses.
More InfoNYSO are delighted to be in partnership with the Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Students of the Junior GSMD who missed the auditions may be considered for a place in NYSO, at the discretion of the Music Director and places being available, following a recommendation from their string teacher and audition.
