CSO Youth Chamber Orchestra

A performance enrichment program for enthusiastic string players aged 12-19. The CSO Youth Chamber Orchestra is a unique opportunity for advanced young string players to rehearse and perform alongside CSO String players.

Unlike a larger youth orchestra, this is an unconducted ensemble for 15 to 20 musicians. All participants receive specialised training and mentorship in solo, chamber and orchestral playing, musicianship, and building professional skills. CSO Youth Chamber Orchestra welcomes musicians aspiring to professional performance as well as advanced players pursuing other career paths. 

Download the 2026 CSO Youth Chamber Orchestra Handbook here.

Audition requirements

Applicants must prepare the following:

• One piece of their own choice (max of five minutes)
• Two required excerpts for your instrument (follow all tempo and bow markings, play only the notes between the brackets):
  1) Grieg: Holberg Suite 
  2) David Balakrishnan: Spider Demons 
  Violin
  Viola
  Cello
• Two prepared scales:
  • Scale 1: B-flat major, three octaves, spiccato (three bows per note), tempo crotchet = 110 (three notes per crotchet beat)
  • Scale 2: B-flat harmonic minor, three octaves, slurred one octave per bow, rhythm crotchet plus seven quavers, tempo crotchet = 120
• Candidates will be required to sight-read.

Eligibility

• Ages 12-19 in 2027.
• Minimum instrument level of AMEB Grade 6 or equivalent.

Fees

• The participation fee for 2027 is $700 plus GST.
• A limited number of scholarship places will be offered to students facing financial barriers to participation.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 6 November. Auditions will be scheduled in late November. 

For any questions about the program or auditions please reach out to Donna Parkes at future.pathways@cso.org.au