Applications are now open for our two national orchestras. NYOS, formerly called NYOS Symphony Orchestra, is open to musicians aged 14-22 years playing at Grade 8 standard upwards. NYOS Development returns for its sophomore year and is looking for applicants aged 11-18 years playing at Grade 5-8 standard. Auditions are free and bursaries for up to 100% of fees are available.
NYOS is Scotland’s national youth orchestra – 100 talented young musicians, performing at an exceptionally high level under the guidance of expert tutors and internationally renowned conductors and soloists. In Spring, Catherine Larsen-Maguire, our newly appointed Music Director, will conduct an American-themed programme featuring works by Gershwin, Bernstein, and Jennifer Higdon. In Summer, under the baton of Teresa Riveiro-Böhm, the orchestra will present a world premiere of a piano trio concerto by Swedish composer Andrea Tarrodi performed by the Amatis Trio, and Stravinsky’s Petrushka.
NYOS Development, for those keen to develop their orchestral experience in the company of other highly motivated young musicians, welcomes back Natalia Luis-Bassa to build upon the fantastic work she did with the ensemble in 2023. The brilliant young Scottish-Nigerian trumpeter Aaron Akugbo, fresh from his performance at the King’s coronation, will join the orchestra in Spring to perform Tomasi’s Trumpet Concerto, alongside works by Verdi, Missy Mazzoli and Arturo Márquez. In summer, the orchestra performs another challenging programme, centred around Sibelius’s soaring Symphony No. 1.
Auditions are free and we have a small discretionary travel bursary fund to support those in financial need who wish to audition in person. No young person who successfully auditions for a NYOS orchestra will miss out due to financial circumstances, and we have a robust bursary scheme which can support young people with course fees. Full details available on our website.
Young musicians interested in applying to be part of NYOS or NYOS Development can find full details on our website.
NYOS applications to open on 5 September!
NYOS 2024 Applications to Open on 5 September! We invite aspiring young musicians to apply for our 2024 orchestras, to join our thriving community of outstanding young musicians, and perform diverse and ambitious programmes alongside world-class conductors and soloists.