Call for auditions: SA National Youth Orchestra 2020 intake

Potential orchestra members include players from communities across the country, that are chosen on merit through two auditions. The first of these is an anonymous recorded audition, after which a live audition is played behind-screen, in front of an expert audition panel at the course.

Applications are now open and can be completed online here. Applications close on 16 March.

Musicians who wish to audition must:

• Be able to play an orchestral instrument/
• Be at least at Grade 7 music level.
• Be under 25 or turning 26 in 2020.
• Be a resident of South Africa.

To make the courses open to all who wish to attend, bursaries, scholarships and payment plans are available, but are only decided on after a successful audition.

“The National Youth Orchestra courses create exciting performance opportunities for young musicians to interact with the world’s leading music professionals, both nationally and internationally, and are the perfect way for finding pathways to professional careers, bringing people together, and forging lifelong friendships,” the orchestra’s managing director Sophia Welz said.

The orchestra said in a statement: “The National Youth Orchestra is formed each year at courses run during the holidays and comprise of South Africa’s top young musical talent. Auditions are for all the programmes in 2020, including the winter course in Johannesburg from 13 to 21 June, and any additional tours and workshops.”

The orchestra has supported the development of South Africa’s young musicians through its courses and training programmes for over half a century. Its legacy is far-reaching with representation of alumni in top professional orchestras in South Africa, and across the globe. The orchestra has performed with a diverse range of local and global artists and personalities including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Sir James Galway, Judith Sephuma, Osmo Vanska, Gcina Mhlope, Barbara Hendricks and Sir Roger Norrington.

About the orchestra

Founded in 1964, the South African National Youth Orchestra is a NPO behind the official green-and-gold symphonic team for South Africa. In its history, the organisation has hosted biannual orchestra courses, concerts, international and national tours and workshops for young musicians, and is one of South Africa’s most successful music institutions.