Senior Orchestra.

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”.

Playing level: Grade 8 and above
Ages: up to 21

2021 revised dates:

Spring: 6 – 8 April on-line sessions (a total of 3 hours for each of these days)

Summer: 19/20 – 30 July (19 – 21 July to be confirmed)

2021 repertoire:

Bach Brandenburg 3
Kalinnikov – Serenade
Beethoven – Grosse Fugue
Schnittke – Mozart a la Haydn
Howells – Concerto for String Orchestra

Previous repertoire includes:

Mussorgsky – Pictures at an Exhibition (arr. Jaques Cohen) 2019

Britten – Variations of a Theme of Frank Bridge 2019

Britten – Prelude and Fugue for 18 strings 2018

Strauss – Metamorphosen 2018

Stravinsky – Apollon musagète 2017

Beethoven – Quartet no. 11 op 95 arr. Mahler 2017

An essential experience.

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 professional string players whose careers have been spent performing these works all over the world.

The Pastoral team are always on hand to ensure the welfare of students, and provide many different opportunities to relax in the free time.

“ 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.”

Fees. (Easter & Summer courses)

Fees for 2021: £2080 (includes £250 non-refundable place acceptance deposit).

Please Note: The fees for 2021 will be adjusted to reflect changes to this year’s residencies due to COVID19 restrictions.

Applications to audition for 2022 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 October 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, however video/media submissions are also accepted (details of where to upload your videos will be provided). Online applications to audition for 2022 orchestra membership to be received by 20 October 2021. Video Multi-Media auditions to be received by 30 October 2021.

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

Audition applications for 2022 membership to be received by 20 October 2021.

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

NYSO 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.