The National Children’s Orchestras (NCO) auditions are starting this Sunday in Cardiff. They will continue throughout October as the NCO travels all around the country as part of their quest to find the very best young musical talent. The NCO offers incredible opportunities to talented young musicians aged 7-13 from all over the country, and a chance to play at some of the most prestigious concert venues in the UK, including The Royal Albert Hall and The Royal Festival Hall.

NCO has six national orchestras which meet on residential courses during school holidays, and these comprise the Main Orchestra, Under 13 Orchestra, Under 12 Orchestra, Under 11 Orchestra, Under 10 Orchestra and the Training Orchestra (strings only).

NCO believes that the audition process should not be a daunting one. A big part of the NCO experience is about enjoyment, therefore the NCO want auditions to be enjoyable too. There is no set grade requirement to apply, and no scales or aural tests.  Applicants need to prepare two contrasting pieces of their choice which last up to five minutes each, and which contrast in speed and style. There are also two short pieces of sight-reading.

“What The National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain offers is unrivalled in the UK. Whether working with a 7-year-old, new to the excitement of ensemble playing, or with a 13-year-old, desperate for new musical challenges, the NCO provides a unique orchestral experience. Not only do children gain access to the very best level of tuition and performance opportunities, they also find themselves in the company of other children who share the same passions as them – the perfect mix of fun, friendship and phenomenal playing!”

Sir Simon Rattle OM CBE, NCO President

For more information regarding auditions, including frequently asked questions, please visit NCO’s website.

You can also find out more about the NCO and their exciting schedule by visiting their Facebook and Twitter pages and you can hear NCO play by listening to their YouTube account.

The NCO is lacking in applicants for certain instruments: Violas, Double basses, Trombones, Tubas, Harps and Percussion so they’d be especially interested to receive applications from these instrumentalists. For any enquiries or to find out if there is still space at a venue, phone the NCO office on 01934 418855.