Auditions for Orchestras

Thank you for your interest in joining DUPO for the 2025/26 season

Auditions for our Symphony Orchestra and Palatinate Ensemble will take place at the beginning of October. We hope to see as many of you as possible apply!

Registration for Auditions will open Soon

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Expect From My Audition?

For your audition, you should prepare an unaccompanied piece of no more than 5 minutes in length (Extracts from longer works accepted).

Before your audition, you will also be given 2 orchestral excerpts to prepare, with a different, more difficult excerpt if you wish to apply to be concertmaster. You will be given 15 minutes to practice the excerpts and your prepared piece before the audition.

Following your playing, you will be asked a few motivational questions by the panel.

Please Note: Accompaniments are not provided however you may play concerti and sonatas unaccompanied if you wish.

What If I Play More Than One Instrument?

If you play two instruments that are substantially different (Different section in orchestra), then you may apply for each instrument separately and the auditions will be considered as such.

If you play an auxiliary instrument to your main instrument (E.g Flute and Piccolo; Oboe and Cor Anglais), you should prepare a piece for your main instrument only, and you will be given an excerpt for both your main and auxiliary instrument.

Please Note: Playing an auxiliary instrument does not affect your chances of being accepted into the orchestra.

What Happens If My Audition Is Successful?

After the audition process has concluded, all candidates will be emailed with the outcome of their audition.

If you were successful, Congratulations! We look forward to welcoming you to the orchestra for this coming year. In the same email you will be given your desk position in the orchestra and rehearsal times.

What Standard Should I Be?

DUPO aims to tackle often complex, large-scale repertoire, thus the majority of our players perform to a Grade 8 standard or higher.

Do not be discouraged if you have not completed the formal exams for your instrument, grade completion is not a requirement, simply a guideline! We encourage you to apply if you are at all interested in playing with DUPO!

Please Note: If you wish to apply for the Palatinate Ensemble, then a minimum of Grade 8 standard is required.

Previous Orchestral/Ensemble experience is not required.

Can I Apply For Both Symphony Orchestra and Palatinate Ensemble?

Yes you can!

If you wish to play in both orchestras then please indicate so on the application form so you can be considered for places in both!

Please Note: Auditioning for both orchestras will not affect your chances of being accepted, auditions are judged on their individual merit

What If My Audition Is Unsuccessful?

If you are unsuccessful in achieving a place in DUPO for this year you will be notified by email.

Please do not be disheartened if you are unsuccessful as it is an extremely competitive selection process and there are only so many places available. Please do not let it discourage you from applying next year!

If we thought you had a very strong audition but just missed out on a place, you may be notified that you have been placed on a reserve list. If someone does not accept their place in the orchestra you may be given the spot so check your email regularly!

Due to the vast amount of applications we receive, we typically do not provide feedback. If you really would like feedback on your audition, then please email palatinate.orchestra@durham.ac.uk