NCO 2020 Auditions Launch

Applications to audition for a place in NCO’s 2020 orchestras will launch on Monday 1 July

This summer the National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain will be reaching out to young musicians in the UK who are looking to be part of an exciting organisation. For over 40 years, NCO has been inspiring young musicians by providing them with amazing opportunities to learn, perform and create orchestral music – and this could be your chance to get involved!

In 2019, NCO members have:

• Boosted their confidence and social skills, and formed fantastic friendships with their peers
• Attended residential courses, centred around a child-led curriculum
• Been empowered to develop new musical skills beyond the standard orchestral repertoire
• Performed to public audiences at major concert halls across the UK
• Participated in the Music:Eyes musically-operated world premiere performance
• Received guidance on wellbeing and injury prevention caused by playing
• Taken part in exciting regional activities close to home

From Monday 1 July, you will be able to submit an application to audition for one of NCO’s five age-banded national orchestras. Audition applications are open to all young musicians, aged 7-13 years old, who play an orchestral instrument. You must also be a citizen, resident of, or studying in the British Isles.

See the table below for which NCO 2020 orchestra you are eligible to join:

Aged 13 on 31 August 2019          Main Orchestra

Aged 12 on 31 August 2019          Under 13 Orchestra

Aged 11 on 31 August 2019          Under 12 Orchestra

Aged 10 on 31 August 2019          Under 11 Orchestra

Aged 7-9 on 31 August 2019        Under 10 Orchestra

Depending on your circumstances, you will be eligible to apply for a live audition or a video audition. Video auditions are open to everyone, no matter where you live or how old you are. Live auditions take place in October at venues in BIRMINGHAM, BRISTOL, CARDIFF, EDINBURGH, LONDON, MANCHESTER, READING, TAUNTON and more.

What type of audition do I need to do?

For more details, please go to the Audition Information page. Sign up to the auditions mailing list here.

Applications open from Monday 1 July (11am) to Monday 16 September (8pm).