CBSO Orchestral Residency
CBSO Orchestral Residency
A programme designed by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra to support young musicians taking the next steps towards a professional orchestral career.
The CBSO Orchestral Residency offers exceptional young musicians the opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside one of Europe’s leading symphony orchestras, directed by some of the most inspiring conductors of our time. We will create a unique orchestra for each annual residency, made up in equal parts of CBSO musicians and young musicians aspiring to join the ranks of our profession
The programme will consist of an intensive residential week of activity in July every year, culminating in a concert at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall. It combines incredible music-making with networking, mentoring, and professional development - giving musicians real insight into the life of a modern orchestral player.
ABOUT THE 2027 RESIDENCY
Participants will:
- Be conducted by Kazuki Yamada, Music Director of the CBSO
- Perform ambitious, large-scale works
- Play in one of the most iconic orchestral concert halls in the world – Birmingham’s Symphony Hall
- Rehearse and perform side by side with CBSO musicians
- Receive mentorship and sectional coaching from CBSO players, gaining first-hand experience of professional rehearsal discipline, ensemble communication, and artistic collaboration
- Take part in career-focused workshops covering audition preparation, portfolio careers, and orchestral life
Dates: 21 - 25 July 2027
Conductor: Kazuki Yamada
Rehearsal Venue: CBSO Centre, Birmingham
Concert Venue: Birmingham Symphony Hall
Accommodation in Birmingham is provided
Programme:
Strauss, Alpine Symphony (Eine Alpensinfonie)
Anna Clyne, PALETTE
How to apply
The CBSO Orchestral Residency is open to advanced instrumentalists, aged 21* (by 31 August 2027) to 25, who are aspiring to a professional orchestral career. We will accept applications from the following instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone (both tenor and bass), Tuba, Percussion and Harp. See the CBSO Orchestral Residency Application Handbook for more information about how to apply.
*with the exception of Horns due to orchestration requirements, who must have turned 18 by 31 August 2026 and be in their first year of undergraduate studies or above.
Deadline: All applications must be submitted by 23:59 on Monday 9 November 2026. Auditions will be held in two rounds: a video audition submitted in their application and, should the applicant be successful, a live second audition in January or February 2027.
