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Applications to be a part of the 2024/25 Fellowship are now closed.


Southbank Sinfonia promises you the opportunity to:

  • Distinguish yourself among emerging professional musicians by being part of one of Europe’s most exciting Fellowship orchestras, recognised for the exceptional standard and outlook of its players
  • Develop the stamina needed to manage the demanding schedules of professional orchestras today by playing in concerts and taking part in creative education projects every week, in central London, around the UK and abroad
  • Master a huge range of repertoire, including essential works that professional orchestras will expect you to know well, embracing numerous styles and disciplines including opera, Baroque, and the latest contemporary music
  • Collaborate with some of the world’s leading orchestral musicians from organisations like the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, making invaluable, lasting contacts with artists who have much insight to offer and may help advance your career
  • Perform on many of London’s iconic stages as well as distinguished venues further afield including presenting the Anghiari Festival in Tuscany, Italy
  • Perform with some of the most admired guest musicians in the business: recent guest artists have included conductors Vladimir Ashkenazy, Gabor Takács-Nagy, Jessica Cottis, Edward Gardner, the Allegri Quartet and Baroque specialist Adrian Butterfield, to name a few
  • Further your skills in a variety of musical roles, assuming all seats within your orchestral section, learning how to excel when leading and following, undertaking a significant range of chamber music projects for which you can recommend repertoire, and audition for a concerto opportunity if you wish
  • Develop the kind of leadership skills that all professional orchestras look for, being a more confident communicator and negotiator, presenting concerts yourself, and becoming an experienced and assured role-model to young people, leading and devising projects of real integrity that inspire younger musicians
  • Receive exclusive ‘mock auditions’ with professional musicians to give you a constructive, supportive taste of applying for professional orchestras, and the chance to transform your CV with the help of our expert staff
  • Define your own personal musical goals and, with our help, evolve the professional toolkit and contacts you need to fulfil these

In the words of Mark van de Wiel, Principal Clarinet of the Philharmonia and London Sinfonietta, ‘the level of confidence, skill and musical awareness which they gain in a short time with Southbank Sinfonia is extraordinary. I’d strongly recommend it to any player embarking on an orchestral career.’

There is no fee to be part of Southbank Sinfonia: every place is free, and it’s free to apply too. Furthermore, every player is awarded a bursary to help towards the cost of living in London which players supplement with income from their own performing and teaching activities.

To be eligible, you should play one of the following orchestral instruments to a high standard and have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate music degree either at music college or university, or achieved an equivalent musical qualification.

Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Percussion

Please note, it is generally not possible to undertake the programme while still studying.

Southbank Sinfonia is committed to improving equality, diversity and inclusion across the organisation. We therefore actively seek applications from individuals with backgrounds currently underrepresented in the arts.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other equality characteristic.

  • If you have any further queries about the programme or the audition process, please do not hesitate to contact us on auditions[AT]southbanksinfonia[DOT]co[DOT]uk or you are welcome to call one of our team on 020 4553 0758 who will be very happy to give advice.
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