Classical & Jazz Applications are now open!

NYOS is delighted to announce that applications for the Classical Pathway (NYOS Junior, Senior and Symphony Orchestras) and the Jazz Pathway (Jazz Access, Summer School and Jazz Orchestra) in 2021 are now open.

After a year that has posed many challenges to musicians and music organisations alike, we are thrilled to share some highlights of the opportunities we are offering Scotland’s most promising young musicians next year: chances to learn from world-class tutors, play alongside internationally renowned soloists, learn specialist skills from prominent Jazz musicians and follow the baton of some of the most celebrated conductors in the industry.

NYOS will place successful classical and jazz applicants in the relevant ensemble according to their ability. 

**Please note that this year there are no live auditions. All applicants must submit a recorded audition.

To apply now to the Classical Pathway click here

To apply now to the Jazz Pathway click here

AUDITIONS & ACCESS TO INSTRUMENTS

This year so far has been a challenging time and COVID-19 has caused disruption in all our lives. If you would like to apply to NYOS for 2021 activities, but are hesitant to do so due to not having your usual access to instruments, lessons and music making opportunities, please do not let this be a barrier.

We understand the obstacles musicians currently face and are fully flexible in accommodating applicants’ needs as best we can. Our application process is straightforward, and all auditions are submitted via recorded video this year.

If you foresee any issues with submitting an online application and/or audition, please reach out to us to discuss.

We realise Percussionists in particular may not have access to instruments at the moment and again we would like to reiterate to get in touch if you wish to apply, but are unable to access instruments for your recorded audition.

Contact us on ensembles@nyos.co.uk  

CLASSICAL APPLICANTS KEY INFORMATION

Applications open: Monday 24 August

Application closing date: Friday 25 September

Audition video deadline: Friday 30 October

Symphony Orchestra

In addition to the opportunity to work with two truly world-class conductors (RSNO Principal Conductor Thomas Søndergård and English National Opera Music Director Martyn Brabbins) and Nicola Benedetti, one of the most celebrated violinists of her generation, NYOS Symphony Orchestra will also take part in side-by-side concerts with the RSNO as part of their own concert season. This is an invaluable opportunity for our members to meet, learn from and, most importantly, play with professional orchestral musicians. Symphony Orchestra members also have the opportunity to perform a wide range of outstanding repertoire which includes a new, double trombone concerto by Claire McCue, Szymanowski’s fantastically colourful First Violin Concerto, and Shostakovich’s immensely powerful Seventh Symphony.

Senior Orchestra

As NYOS Senior Orchestra goes from strength to strength as an ensemble, its members will have the opportunity to perform orchestral repertoire of the highest standard. An excellent opportunity for teenagers to perform as part of a full symphony orchestra and learn works that are regularly played by professional symphony orchestras around the world. Highlights from this year include Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.5, a stalwart of the repertoire, excerpts of which often appear as audition pieces for orchestral positions.

Junior Orchestra

NYOS Junior Orchestra is the first stepping stone on the NYOS Classical Pathway and an often-unique opportunity for our youngest players to experience playing in a full symphonic orchestra. After great success in 2019, Junior Orchestra will once again perform an entire symphony in their Summer concert (this year Borodin’s Symphony No.2). We will also be joined by a recent NYOS alumna as soloist in Bruch’s Violin Concerto No.1. We are thrilled that Natalia Luis-Bassa, who conducted our players with such flair and imagination in 2019, will return to conduct both concerts in 2021.

For more information including course and concert dates, course fees or to start you application click here

If you have any questions or require further support with your classical OR jazz application, please contact the NYOS Ensembles Team via email at ensembles@nyos.co.uk. 

JAZZ APPLICANTS KEY INFORMATION

Applications open: Monday 24 August

Application closing date: Friday 25 September

Audition video deadline: Friday 16 October

Jazz Orchestra

The NYOS Jazz Orchestra is Scotland’s foremost youth Jazz ensemble, with a long history of prestigious national and international performances alongside some of the world’s best Jazz musicians. This year we are joined by saxophonist Paul Booth, a soloist, composer, arranger and bandleader. Paul will be employing all of these skills as he and the Jazz Orchestra perform a diverse programme of modern Jazz, some of which will be arranged especially for the ensemble by Paul himself, drawing on eclectic international influences from his various travels. The Jazz Orchestra will tour venues across Scotland. Details of the tour are still to be confirmed but previous engagements include the Edinburgh International Jazz and Blues Festival and regular appearances in prestigious Scottish venues from Skye to Glasgow.

Jazz Access

Jazz Access is made up of two residential courses – Easter BopCamp and Jazz Access in the Summer. It is designed to provide specialist Jazz tuition to prepare young musicians for future participation in NYOS Jazz Orchestra. Participants develop improvisational and rhythm-based skills, as well as having the opportunity to develop their ensemble playing with their peers.

Jazz Summer School

The annual Jazz Summer School brings together Jazz Access and Jazz Orchestra players along with other applicants of a wide range of ability but a common enthusiasm for Jazz. All instruments are welcome. Over five days in idyllic surroundings on the Isle of Skye, students gain experience of playing in small Jazz combos and enjoy classes covering rhythm, harmony, listening, theory and other essential Jazz skills. Each day concludes with a nightly Jazz Club in which players are invited to take the stage and perform with their friends and peers.

For more information including course and concert dates, course fees or to start you application click here

If you have any questions or require further support with your classical OR jazz application, please contact the NYOS Ensembles Team via email at ensembles@nyos.co.uk.