Foundation Programme
Instrumentalists
Applications for the 2026/27 Programme are now open
The 2026/27 Orpheus Sinfonia Foundation Programme will run October 2026 – June 2027 and offers opportunity to instrumentalists, composers, conductors and soloists. Repertoire for the season includes: Judith Weir Heroic Strokes of the Bow | Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3 | Felix Mendelssohn Symphony No. 4 Italian | Edward Elgar Dream of Gerontius | Richard Wagner Die Walkure | Johannes Brahms Symphony No. 4 | Sally Beamish World Premiere I Brass Fanfares | Wind Serenades I String Serenades.
Open to musicians of all backgrounds, up to and including 2 years after graduation from full-time study, of the following instruments:
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Percussion
What the Programme offers
Orchestral Concerts in London
- under the Artistic Direction of Thomas Carroll, guest conductors, soloists and composers.
Advancement Sessions
Wraparound advancement sessions throughout the season, cover areas including:
- How to work: Coaching on approaches to professional life and work.
- Making it happen: Music as a Business plus mentoring fundraising + stewardship.
- Forging the paths Networking and Skills
- Creating careers in music: Creative Development of work avenues and using music to work.
Mentorship
- Relatable instrumental mentors.
- Creative entrepreneurship inspiration and support.
- CV and audition preparation guidance.
Further opportunities
Consideration for further work with Orpheus Sinfonia as appropriate.
Foundation Participants receive Foundation Fees for all Foundation Performances. The foundation day fee is currently £125 per day (6 hours playing time) and is reviewed annually. Participants may in due course be offered work in Orpheus’ main work stream as and when deemed appropriate. Orpheus musician fees are equivalent to ABO/MU 2.
Applications are now open for the 2026/27 Programme
We warmly invite all instrumentalists up to 2 years after completion of full-time study/fellowship and resident in the UK to apply.
Applications are in two stages as detailed here. If you have any questions at any point, we are here to help – just email: info@orpheussinfonia.com.
Stage 1: Online Application
Closing Date: 30th June 2026
What to Submit:
- CV: This is so we can learn more about your musical experiences and achievements so far.
- A Brief Personal Statement: This is so we can understand more about your musical wants and hopes, and how we can best help you with the Foundation Programme. Please write as you feel comfortable – there are no right or wrong answers, simply a space for you to tell us what you want and for us to learn what we can best provide opportunity for.
- Video Footage: Your choice of one piece (or movement) from a major concerto/sonata that best represents your playing.
- Videos do not need to be professionally filmed—a high-quality smartphone recording in a space with good natural acoustics is perfect.
- Videos should be unedited (we can tell if it’s edited so please just stick to the brief and keep it unedited).
- Please ensure to give a video link that is accessible to ‘anyone with the link’ so there are no issues for any panel members accessing the recording to review it.
How to Submit:
Complete our online application which contains sections to upload these materials – Apply Now
Stage 2: Live Auditions & Interviews
Dates: 8th–22nd July 2026
Following the Stage 1 closing date the panel of Principal musicians review each application, and shortlist all those deemed to be suitable for the 2026/27 Orpheus Sinfonia Foundation Programme. These shortlisted applicants are invited to Round 2 live auditions.
The Format:
- Performance (10 mins): You will perform a solo piece of your choice – a movement from a major concerto or sonata. You will then be asked a selection of excerpts from the specified list (see below). On occasion an Orpheus Principal may workshop one or more of these excerpts with you – to get to know your playing further, and understand how you respond to musical interaction.
- Interview (5 mins): A chance to talk with members of the Orpheus team and our Principals, to discuss your aspirations, your playing, and to explore how Orpheus may be able to support you.
A Note on Equal Opportunities: Orpheus Sinfonia is committed to being a welcoming and accessible home for all. We actively encourage applications from musicians of all backgrounds, particularly those from under-represented groups in the orchestral sector. If you have specific access requirements for your audition, please let us know—we are here to support you.
Orchestral Excerpts – please find these by instrument in each folder below, along with a list of the orchestral excerpts:
