CBSO Orchestral Residency 2027: Young Instrumentalists Apply by 9 November
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) has opened applications for its 2027 Orchestral Residency, a five-day opportunity for advanced young instrumentalists considering professional orchestral careers. The residency will run from 21 to 25 July 2027 in Birmingham, conducted by CBSO Music Director Kazuki Yamada. The application deadline is Monday 9 November 2026 at 23:59. Selected participants work and perform alongside CBSO musicians and receive mentoring in orchestral rehearsal practice, sectional playing and professional life.
Instrument groups and age rules
The residency invites applications from violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, tenor or bass trombone, tuba, percussion and harp players. The general age range is from 21 to 25, assessed in connection with 31 August 2027 according to the programme's entry conditions. For French horn, the orchestra has an exception permitting musicians who were already 18 by 31 August 2026 and had reached at least the first year of undergraduate study. Applicants should not apply the horn exception to other instruments without an express statement from the CBSO.
A professional orchestra experience rather than a paid vacancy
The week culminates in a performance at Birmingham Symphony Hall and includes rehearsals at the CBSO Centre. The advertised programme comprises Richard Strauss's Eine Alpensinfonie and Anna Clyne's PALETTE, two very different works that demand ensemble accuracy, awareness of orchestral colour and the ability to learn substantial repertoire quickly. CBSO players provide direct coaching, and professional-development workshops address audition preparation, portfolio careers and the realities of a modern orchestral career.
Accommodation and programme costs
The organiser specifies that accommodation in Birmingham is provided for participants. This is a valuable practical contribution, but does not by itself guarantee that every applicant's travel, subsistence or other expenses are reimbursed. Before making plans, check the participant handbook for the exact accommodation period, programme fees if applicable, and any arrangements for travel or visa support. Residency and work-permission requirements must be verified in the current year's handbook rather than inferred from an earlier cohort.
Video application and subsequent live audition
The first stage consists of a video audition included in the online application. Those who progress may be invited to a live second audition during January or February 2027. Preparation should follow the official repertoire and recording instructions for the specific instrument, including excerpts and any required solo performance. It is advisable to complete the application sufficiently early to test links, confirm the selected instrument and receive an upload confirmation. The submission platform is Musicalchairs, linked from the CBSO website.
Who would benefit most?
For a student nearing graduation or a recent conservatoire graduate, side-by-side playing with a major symphony orchestra is different from participating in a youth-orchestra course. The programme combines direct performance responsibilities with mentoring by employed orchestral musicians. It can be relevant to harpists, percussionists and brass or woodwind players as well as strings. The most important question is whether the applicant meets the stated age and technical standard and can commit to the full residency week.
Application and authoritative guidelines
Information checked 18 October 2026. The current 2027 handbook and audition materials govern residence, study status, fees, video format and repertoire.