Artist Development: Musicality

Musical excellence and artistic integrity are the foundation of our programme.

From symphonies to string quartets, from opera to electronica to Baroque, our players blaze through every possible genre, switching seats in each section to become fluent in a variety of roles.

Coaching throughout the fellowship courtesy of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, the Allegri Quartet and an array of other great artists brings the very best insights and expertise from the professional frontline.

The programme involves an intensive schedule like that found at professional orchestras throughout the world. Projects include collaborations with world-class guest artists such as Vladimir Ashkenazy, Edward Gardner and Gabor Takács-Nagy, with performances in many of London's most famous venues. A typical fellowship year involves around 80 performances, including over 150 pieces of repertoire from the past four centuries. You can see upcoming projects here.

Auditions and trials for positions in professional orchestras place their own unique demands, so the fellowship incorporates specialist sessions throughout the year to help musicians prepare. Professionals who regularly sit on audition panels run workshops and mock auditions to provide advice and constructive feedback in this crucial area.

Southbank Sinfonia musicians also represent the future of classical music. Through collaborations with movement directors, lighting designers and other multi-disciplinary artists in our #ConcertLab series, the fellowship challenges young musicians to think about how they want classical music to be presented in fast-changing world. Such encounters charge the next generation of musicians with the confidence and skill to push their own artistic boundaries.

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

Find out about our Royal Opera House collaborations, including side-by-side workshops backstage at Covent Garden, performances with the Jette Parker Young Artists and mock auditions.

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ACADEMY OF ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS

An annual side-by-side project with Academy musicians, performing unconducted. 

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EARLY MUSIC

Coaching from period music specialists, leading to a performance at the London Handel Festival.

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NATIONAL THEATRE

What can classical music learn from the world of theatre? Since 2010, Southbank Sinfonia players have had the chance to think theatrically, treading the boards of the National Theatre.

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