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”.

2022:

Spring: 9 – 14 April – Stamford School, Oswald Elliott Hall, East Street, Stamford, PE9 1QF

Summer: 19 – 27 August – Stamford School, Oswald Elliott Hall, East Street, Stamford, PE9 1QF

Previous repertoire includes:

Schnittke – MozArt a la Haydn 2021
Howells – Concerto for String Orchestra 2021
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

 

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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 2022: £2184 (includes £250 non-refundable place acceptance deposit).

 

Please note in response to concern for exam preparation time, NYSO have reduced the number of Easter residency days for 2023  to 5 instead of 6. In addition during the Easter residency NYSO will be scheduling time for personal study for all those that require it.

 

Audition Information & Requirements.

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

Auditions are by video only. Applications are now open for 2023 orchestra membership.

How to apply

There will be 2 opportunities to audition for 2023 membership of NYSO orchestras.

  1. Please complete the application form on our website (at the bottom of this page) and submit by 20 June 2022 for video audition submission by 30 June 2022 or 20 October for video submissions by 30 October 2022.
  2. Upload your video audition to YouTube (public or unlisted) or Vimeo. Video links should be emailed to audition@nyso.uk. Do check your spam folders for any correspondence!
Audition requirements
  • Two contrasting pieces of own choice. Playing with an accompanist is at your discretion.
  • Orchestral excerpts. This link will be active approximately two weeks before the audition submission date.  Senior audition excerpts
  • Scales and arpeggios. Please choose two keys:
    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, slurred or separate bowing of your choice. Double stops can be played broken/stepped or together. Basses – double stops not required, 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 and orchestral excerpt please state the title and composer, and 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.
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

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.