EYO Symphony Orchestra
Applications for 2027 open on 24 August!
To join our mailing list, please click the link below.
Course Details
The EYO Symphony Orchestra is our flagship auditioned programme giving advanced young musicians aged 13–21 the opportunity to perform major symphonic repertoire, work with internationally acclaimed conductors and soloists, and develop their playing alongside inspirational professional musicians.
Key Dates for Season 2027
Application Deadline: Friday 30 October 2026
Auditions:
In-Person: Saturday 5 December (St George’s School) or Sunday 6 December 2026 (St Mary’s Music School)
Video Submission Deadline: Wednesday 2 December 2026
Preparatory Rehearsal Day:
Sunday 7 March 2027
Summer Course (non-residential) and Concerts:
Saturday 31 July – Saturday 7 August 2027
Concerts:
Thursday 5 August 2027 - Albert Halls, Stirling
Friday 6 and Saturday 7 August 2027 Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh
Symphony Orchestra Programme 2027
We are thrilled to share our conductor for the 2027 Symphony Orchestra will be José Salazar and our soloist will be cellist Laura van der Heijden.
The programme will include:
Markeas - Freedom, She Yells
Elgar – Cello Concerto in E Minor (cello: Laura van der Heijden)
Rachmaninov - Symphony No, 2
Rehearsals will take place at St George’s School, Edinburgh and the course will culminate in three concerts, first at the Albert Halls, Stirling, followed by two performances at Greyfriars Kirk as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. EYO is a non-residential programme.
Please note, the EYO team reserve the right to change the programme.
Who Can Apply
We welcome applications from young musicians who:
are aged c.13-21
play an orchestral instrument (strings, woodwind, brass or percussion)
are working beyond Grade 7 standard (formal exams are not required)
were born in or are living or studying in Scotland, or who have family connections to Scotland
Due to the repertoire in 2027, regrettably we will not be holding auditions for harp or piano. Please join our mailing list for 2028.
Course Fees and Financial Support
Course fee for 2027: £440
A non-refundable deposit of £100 will be required to confirm your place
The balance of £340 will be due by 1 May 2027 and can be paid in instalments
Bursary support, up to 100%, including help with transport costs is available to all successful applicants
Sibling Discount and Bursaries
In families with multiple applicants, the second and subsequent participants will pay a reduced fee of £380 per person (£100 deposit, £280 balance)
EYO is committed to ensuring that its courses are accessible to all, and financial assistance is available to applicants after a place is offered. Financial circumstances should not be a barrier to applying.
Application Process
Apply online by Friday 30 October
After submitting your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a form to complete to arrange your audition, either in person, or by video. Please complete this straight away to secure the time slot that suits you best
Audition extracts will be available from Monday 2 November. These will be emailed to all applicants and will be available on our website
In-person audition invitations will be emailed by the week of 9 November; contact us if you haven’t received yours by Friday 13 November 2026
Video guidelines for those who have selected this option will also be sent out on the week of 9 November 2026
Audition results will be sent by email on the week beginning 14 December.
If offered a place:
Secure your place by completing your acceptance form
Pay your £100 non-refundable deposit or complete the bursary application form
Auditions are free and an accompanist is provided for in-person sessions.
Live Auditions Dates and Venues
Saturday 5 December 2026 – St. George’s School
Sunday 6 December 2026 – St Mary’s Music School
Video auditions are available if you can’t attend in person. Request this via the link in your confirmation email. Videos must be submitted by Wednesday 2 December 2026.
In Person Audition Requirements:
One piece (or extract) of your choice — max 7 minutes.
Prepared orchestral excerpts (available from Monday 2 November)
Auditions last 10–15 minutes.
Panel: two EYO musicians (Tutors or Musician Board Members)
Video Audition Requirements:
One piece (or extract) of your choice — max 7 minutes. This can be recorded accompanied or unaccompanied. You can use an existing video as long as was filmed less than 3 months before the audition date
Prepared orchestral excerpts (available from Monday 2 November) - these can be recorded as separate videos
Videos should be uploaded to YouTube as unlisted videos and the links added to your video application form which you will receive when your audition is confirmed
Panel: your video will be viewed by the same EYO Musicians as the in-person auditions