NCO audition applications are still open - apply today!

This is your chance to join a talented team and become a member of Great Britain’s leading symphony orchestras for children, giving you access to once in a lifetime opportunities.

After an incredible summer filled with stunning music, outstanding concerts and the fun, family and friendship factor that all of our residential courses are famed for; we have a very exciting couple of months ahead! Now it’s your chance to be a part of the amazing NCO experience, apply for an NCO audition today and you could be in one of the 2016 NCO Orchestras!

It’s just over 3 weeks until our auditions begin. We’ll be travelling all over the UK in a quest to find the very best young musical talent. If you or someone you know is aged 7-13, plays an orchestral instrument and wants to gain access to once in a lifetime opportunities, NCO auditions are where the incredible musical journey begins.

This year’s auditions are spread between 27 September and 30 October. We have 35 venues and 61 days of auditions all around the country. Certain venues are now full, but as long as you are willing to travel to an alternative venue, we will do our best to accommodate you.

We're especially looking for applicants who play the following instruments: Viola, Doubles bass, Trombone, Tuba, Harp and Percussion.

To apply for an audition, you must be aged between 7-13 on 31 December 2015. You don’t need to have taken any grade exams – all we’re looking for is talent and potential. We aim to make joining the NCO as accessible as possible for everyone, irrespective of financial circumstances, therefore financial support is available. Click here to find out more. 

Please read our auditions booklet about the application process before filling in an application form. It includes information about the NCO Orchestras, eligibility and bursaries as well as audition venues, dates and what to expect on your audition day. We also recommend that you read about the NCO audition process and our FAQs for parents andplayers. 

As an NCO member, you’ll have the chance to take part in fun residential courses, where you’ll be guided by professional musicians who will challenge and help you to develop musically. Each course culminates with an orchestral concert – the older Orchestras perform at major venues such as the Royal Festival Hall and Leeds Town Hall.

Here’s what a current member said after the 2015 Spring residential course:

“The best thing about the NCO is all the fantastic musical experiences I have had - the music is inspiring and great fun, it provides an incentive for me to practice hard. Most of my best friends are from NCO because we all have so much in common and we have so much fun together. NCO is amazing!” – 2015 NCO member

Does NCO sound like something you'd like to be a part of? Apply for an audition today!

For further information or to request a printed copy of the application form or an audition poster, phone the office on 01934 418855 or emailClaire Vautier. We hope to see you very soon!