What’s the age requirement?
To apply, you must be aged between 16 and 26 years on December 31 of the audition year.

Which instruments are accepted?
For the 2023 season, we are inviting applications for:

• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Double Bass
• Flute
• Oboe
• Clarinet
• Bassoon
• Horn
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Bass Trombone
• Tuba
• Percussion
• Harp
• Keyboard

Can UK musicians apply?
Regrettably, since the UK’s departure from the EU, UK musicians can no longer apply to the EUYO.

What if I’m from a non-EU European country or from outside Europe?
Only applicants from the 27 EU Member States are eligible to join the EUYO.

Can I join if I already play in a professional orchestra?
Absolutely! We welcome applications from members of professional orchestras.

Do I need to be studying music academically to audition?
No. You can audition even if you are not currently studying music in an academic setting.

Can I audition with more than one instrument?
Yes, you can audition for multiple instruments. Please specify this in your application.

If I was a reserve or highly commended player in the last two years, can I move directly to the final round?
Yes. If you were on the reserve list or highly commended in the past two years, you can directly enter the final round. Please note that you still need to submit your application and required video before the deadline.

Just follow the simple instructions on the Apply page. Please read the information from your country to know when the deadline is to apply. The deadline for each country is different.

Auditions are held in each of the 27 EU countries, managed by our local National Partners. In some countries, there may be two rounds of auditions due to the number of candidates or for other administrative reasons.

The first round panel is comprised of either local or EUYO jurors. If provided by EUYO, a specialist for each instrument will review your audition.

If you pass the first round, you will proceed to the final round where an experienced EUYO panel member will evaluate your performance. The final round can be conducted live or online, varying by country. All auditions are video-recorded and reviewed by an instrument-specific panel. Each audition lasts around 8 minutes, during which you’ll perform your solo piece and excerpts.

For online final rounds, the panellist will watch your video and may ask you to play additional excerpts during an 8-minute session.

You can find more information on the Rules and Regulations page.

What should I bring?
Bring your instrument, the music you will perform, and your national ID or passport.

What music should I prepare?
Prepare a piece of your choice and certain excerpts from well-known orchestral works (found here). The excerpts may vary each year. Your chosen piece can be any style – solo, concerto, sonata, and it should showcase your playing ability.

Will EUYO provide an accompanist?
If you have a live audition, an accompanist will be provided. For online final rounds, you do not need an accompanist, as the focus will be on your excerpts and submitted recording. EUYO encourages all musicians to perform their chosen piece with accompaniment where possible, to demonstrate their ensemble skills.

Does EUYO cover travel expenses for auditions?
Given the high volume of applicants, we are unable to fund travel for auditions.

What if I can’t make my scheduled audition?
Be professional: if you cannot attend your audition, please inform Alexia Higgs at alexia.higgs@euyo.eu as soon as you can.

In countries with many applicants or for administrative reasons, auditions are held in two rounds. The first-round panel could be either from the local organizer or EUYO. If provided by the local organizer, the panel may include one or more jurors. If provided by EUYO, a specialist for each instrument will review your audition video.

All EU countries use one application form. For online auditions, include a YouTube link to your performance in your application (ensure it is unlisted or public, not private). If successful, you will be invited to the final round. We aim to notify candidates approximately 3 weeks after the application deadline. However, given the high number of candidates, this process might take a few weeks.

In the final round, one experienced EUYO panel member will evaluate your audition, which could be either live or online, depending on your country. All auditions will be video-recorded for a fair evaluation by an instrument-specific panel, comparing performances of candidates across Europe.

Each audition lasts around 8 minutes, where you will perform your solo piece and excerpts. If the final round is online, the panellist will watch your video and may spend an additional 8 minutes asking you to play more excerpts (not necessarily those from your video).

Our established audition process ensures fairness across different instruments and countries – our top priority. After your audition, an extensive moderation process follows to guarantee fairness.

What if I’m late?
If you are running late, please inform the contact person for your audition immediately. You will receive all contact information when your audition is confirmed.

What if I’m sick and can’t attend?
Rescheduling auditions is highly unlikely. However, please inform us as soon as possible if you cannot make it.

Where can I warm up?
Every audition venue provides a warm-up room. Assistance will be available to guide you if you cannot find it.

When will I know the results?
We will email the results in January 2024.

Can I watch my audition video?
Regrettably, we cannot provide the audition videos as they are solely for the panel’s decision-making process.

Will I receive feedback?
Feedback forms part of your live audition, where you may be asked to perform something again with input from the audition panellist. EUYO does not offer written feedback after your audition has finished.

What does a final audition invite mean?

In some countries, auditions are in two rounds: preliminary and final. If you are called for a final audition, you’re closer to joining the EUYO!

What happens if I’m accepted into the EUYO?
Congratulations! As an EUYO member, you will participate in the Spring and Summer Tour (orchestration permitting), plus possible chamber projects in the next calendar year.

Are there any costs as a member?
There is no membership fee. The EUYO covers costs for travel, music teaching, tutoring, accommodation, and food for projects. You will be responsible for your instrument’s insurance (unless we provide the instrument) and any other incidental costs.

What if I’m on the ‘reserve list’?
If a member cannot make a tour, you may be asked to join the EUYO for that tour.

What if I’m not accepted?
With thousands of candidates each year, competition is intense. Do not lose heart, keep practicing, and we encourage you to audition again next year.