A once in a lifetime opportunity - NCO audition applications are open!

If you are aged between 7-13 years old and have a passion for playing an orchestral instrument, this is your chance to be a part of Great Britain’s leading symphony orchestras for children - NCO auditions are now open!

Don’t miss 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.

We have begun our quest for children aged 7–13 (age on 31 December 2016) to audition this autumn for a place in one of the 2017 NCO orchestras.

The ability to play not pay is the only criterion for membership and full financial support is available. Click here to find out about the financial assistance we can provide.

This year’s auditions are spread between 2 October and 1 November. We have 36 venues and 68 days of auditions at different locations around the UK. We're auditioning all around the country, so just decide which venues will work best for you when booking an audition and we will try our best to accommodate you.

Please read our auditions booklet about the application process before filling in an application form. It includes information about the NCO Orchestras, eligibility and financial assistance 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 and players.

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

Not only do our residential courses provide expert mentoring, they are also lots of fun! Here’s what a current member said after an NCO 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!”

NCO auditions will take place at venues all around the UK from 2 October – 1 November. You can apply right now! For a hard copy of the application form, or if you can help with publicity, please contact us.