Opera North Youth Orchestra Auditions Job at Black Lives in Musi in Viola

Overview

The Opera North Youth Orchestra (ONYO) is a pre-professional ensemble for career-minded instrumentalists aged 16-25 and/or in full-time education. It serves to help dedicated young musicians transition from further or higher education into the professional world of music.

Drawing inspiration from the orchestral and opera work of Opera North, the Youth Orchestra will prepare and perform two programmes of challenging repertoire each academic year. Rehearsing in the Orchestra of Opera North rehearsal studios, the Youth Orchestra will provide opportunities to learn the musical and non-musical intricacies of working within a high-level orchestra whilst gaining further experience with orchestral and operatic repertoire.

Central to the programming of the Opera North Youth Orchestra is creating opportunities for the ensemble to work together and perform with soloists, conductors and ensembles from Opera North’s performing company. The Orchestra is led by conductor Oliver Rundell, and sections are coached by members of the orchestra of Opera North. Repertoire for this season will include:

Members will benefit from mentorship from the musicians and artistic team of Opera North, in addition to connecting with a variety of professional orchestral and opera conductors. The Opera North Youth Orchestra is designed to complement participants’ existing study schedule, rehearsing on selected weekends over a two-month period twice per academic year.

The Orchestra is currently recruiting for the following instruments:

• Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp
• Woodwind: Oboe (& Cor Anglais), Bassoon (& Contrabassoon)
• Brass: French Horn, Trombone
• Percussion

Location

West Yorkshire

£270.00 for the October 2025 – April 2026 season

Contract Type

Temporary

Apply by

Fri 3 Oct, 2025

Responsibilities

• Prepare and perform two programmes of challenging repertoire each academic year.
• Rehearse in the Orchestra of Opera North rehearsal studios and learn the musical and non-musical intricacies of working in a high-level orchestra.
• Collaborate with soloists, conductors and ensembles from Opera North’s performing company.
• Benefit from mentorship from Opera North musicians and artistic team, and connect with professional conductors.
• Rehearse on selected weekends over a two-month period twice per academic year, designed to complement participants’ study schedules.

Qualifications

• Aged 16-25 and/or in full-time education
• Instruments sought: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp, Oboe, Cor Anglais, Bassoon, Contrabassoon, French Horn, Trombone, and Percussion

Benefits

• Mentorship from Opera North musicians and artistic team
• Opportunities to perform with soloists, conductors and Opera North ensembles
• Professional networking within Opera North’s orchestral and operatic community

Location and Details

• Location: West Yorkshire
• £270.00 for the October 2025 – April 2026 season
• Contract Type: Temporary
• Apply by: Fri 3 Oct, 2025

Get Job updates

Get weekly email updates with new vacancy and opportunity listings.