AUDITION FOR NCO 2026!
Make friends, make music, have fun!
We are delighted to say that auditions for NCO’s 2026 orchestras will be open from now to the deadline of 9am Thursday 31st July 2025.
Auditions are free and 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 (please check with us if you are unsure)
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.
You’ll find detailed information in our Auditioning for NCO 2026 Handbook.
If you have downloaded the handbook previously, please note that the dates for the spring Residential Orchestral Week for those aged 12 as of 31st August 2025 (those who will be applying for next year’s Under 13 Orchestra) have changed.
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.
Tell us you are interested!
