CBSO Youth Orchestra
incorporating the Midland Youth Orchestra
2004 saw the launch of a new youth orchestra for the Midlands.
Founded in 1956 by CBSO General Manager Blyth Major, the Midland Youth Orchestra was for nearly half a century one of the UK's leading independent youth orchestras. In 2004 it joined with one of the world's great professional orchestras to become the CBSO Youth Orchestra, giving young musicians from across the Midlands the chance to experience professionally-supported orchestral playing at the highest level.
Open to all Midlands young musicians, aged 14-21, of the necessary standard, the CBSO Youth Orchestra gives its members an unmatched opportunity to be part of an internationally famous orchestral organisation, playing challenging music in prestigious venues with top professional conductors. Intended to complement the region's existing Youth and Schools orchestras, the CBSO aims to have a youth orchestra like no other - dynamic, challenging, and filled with young players who share the CBSO's own passion for music.
The CBSO's learning and participation programme reaches over 35,000 people each year in diverse communities across the West Midlands, and ranges from projects bringing music to nurseries in disadvantaged areas of the city, to work developing the next generation of talented young musicians. The CBSO Youth Orchestra is part of the wider CBSO family of ensembles drawing their members from across the region - including an adult chorus and three youth choruses and an adult community choir.
Members experience…
- Sectional coaching from CBSO musicians.
- Performances with leading professional conductors, including CBSO Music Director Andris Nelsons.
- The chance to play in Birmingham's Symphony Hall, one of Europe's finest orchestral concert venues.
- Exciting and adventurous music.
- The support of the CBSO's full-time management team - exactly like a professional orchestra.
Applications for Membership
The CBSO Youth Orchestra is currently accepting applications for the 2013-14 orchestra for all sections except cello, flute and clarinet. Auditions will be held in the early summer of 2013. Please complete the form on the Join page or contact us and we'll send you details as soon as auditions are arranged.