Opera North Youth Orchestra

The Opera North Youth Orchestra (ONYO) is a pre-professional ensemble in the North of England for career-minded instrumentalists in sixth form and university. 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 programs 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 further experience with orchestral and operatic repertoire.

Central to the programming of the Opera North Youth Orchestra is creating opportunity 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. In the 23/24 Season the ONYO gave a performance of Chabrier’s The Runaway Royal together with the Opera North Youth Company and guest soloists, as well as performance of pieces by Arutunian, Brahms and Grace Williams. Repertoire for the 24/25 Season will be confirmed in the coming months.

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 programme period twice per academic year.

The orchestra welcomes applications from students from across the North of England who play the following instruments:

• Woodwind: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet (TBC), Bassoon
• Brass: Horn, Trumpet, Tenor Trombone
• Percussion: Percussion
• Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp

Please note there is currently no vacancy for tuba. Please fill in the application form if you would like to register your interest for any future opportunity to audition.