Auditions are open for 2026!

Meet friends, make music, have fun!

At NCO we have activities which are auditioned and some that are not auditioned, Orchestral weeks and weekends are auditioned activities.

We are so excited to say that you can now audition to take part in our Orchestral weeks or Orchestral weekends in 2026.

Auditions are open from now until 9am Thursday 31st July 2025.

Auditions are free and are submitted via video. Financial support is available for membership fees.

We welcome auditions for NCO 2026 from young musicians who:

• are aged 8-13 years old (as of 31st August 2025) and
• play an orchestral instrument to the appropriate standard and
• are British citizens or are living/studying in the UK

All auditioned NCO activities include world class in-person orchestral coaching with incredible tutors, guest artists and conductors, as well as access to our online activities and resources. If you audition for NCO 2026 you will be auditioning to join orchestras who either meet for Orchestral weeks or Orchestral weekends.

We can't wait to hear you.

We are interested to hear from all young musicians, whatever their background, schooling or circumstances. We are particularly keen to increase representation in our orchestras from groups currently under-represented in classical music and to increase the number of children from state schools.

Whether you or the young musician you know is new to NCO or has been a Member before, we would love to receive their audition.

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