LPO Junior Artists

Our free orchestral experience programme for talented young musicians from backgrounds currently under-represented in professional UK orchestras. Applications are now open for 2025/26!

Welcome to our family

The LPO Junior Artists programme offers opportunities, advice and professional insight to eight exceptional players of orchestral instruments aged 15–19 and minimum Grade 8 standard each year. Junior Artists become part of the LPO family for a year, getting to know our musicians, staff and artists, as well as members of other Rising Talent schemes and former LPO Junior Artists.

Embracing diversity and inclusion

We believe that talent is indiscriminate, yet people from some backgrounds and communities continue to be under-represented in the orchestral sector. At the LPO we’re actively working to promote diversity and inclusivity in the classical music industry, leading eventually to a sector that is more reflective of the wider population.

What’s involved?

As an LPO Junior Artist you’ll benefit from:

• One-to-one instrumental sessions with a player mentor from the LPO
• Insight sessions about the music profession with inspiring guests
• Professional skills building workshops
• Mock audition experience
• Ensemble performance opportunities
• Behind-the-scenes work experience with the LPO team
• Opportunities to inspire younger musicians through LPO Junior Artists: Overture events

LPO Junior Artists activities are spread over around 14 days between September and July each year. Most take place in school holidays or weekends in term time. Some LPO concert visits may take place on a weekday or Saturday evening.

How do I apply?

Applicants are required to:

• play an orchestral instrument (not including piano) at Grade 8 standard or above
• be aged between 15 and 19 on 1 September 2025
• be considering studying music beyond school or otherwise interested in a career in the orchestral music sector, but not currently studying at undergraduate level
• be from a background that is currently under-represented in professional UK orchestras. This is something the applicant self-identifies, and eligible criteria may include, but are not limited to, under-represented racial, ethnic or socio-economic backgrounds, gender and disability/special educational needs

To apply you must:

• Complete the online application form
• Supply a supporting reference from your instrumental teacher.  Teacher references, from your current instrumental teacher, should be sent directly to [email protected], addressing the following:

• • Both applicant full name and teacher full name
  • How long the teacher has taught the applicant
  • Provide details about the applicant’s playing standard, experience, what they would bring to the scheme and why they would benefit from being an LPO Junior Artist

This must be submitted by the application deadline of Monday 14 April 2025, 5.00pm.

You may also provide an additional reference from an organisation or individual to support your application, e.g. music service, junior conservatoire, school. This should be sent directly by email.

All applications are considered on an individual basis. For guidance on whether you are eligible to apply we encourage you to read the following document.

LPO Junior Artists Application Guidance

If you would like to discuss your application further please get in touch with Lowri Davies, Project Manager, directly at [email protected].

Any information provided by application or reference will be treated confidentially by the LPO Education and Community staff and shared only with individual LPO musicians where necessary.

Auditions

We plan to run live auditions in the London Waterloo area on the following dates:

• Wednesday 28 May (later afternoon/early evening)
• Tuesday 10 June (late afternoon/early evening)
• Tuesday 17 June (morning)

If you are aware at the point of application that you are unavailable for one or both audition days then please let us know by email ([email protected]). We would still like to encourage you to apply if you are unavailable.

We aim for auditions to be friendly and supportive. You will meet an LPO musician and a member of the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Education and Community team. There will be the opportunity to find out more about the scheme and for us to learn more about you as a musician. Full details of the audition requirements will be sent with your audition invitation. As a guide, you will need to prepare:

• two contrasting unaccompanied pieces of no more than 5 minutes each
• a short orchestral excerpt which we will send in advance

At the end of your audition there will be an informal chat with the panel to find out more about your musical interests and experiences and you can ask us any questions you may have about the programme.

To apply click below:

Application Form

Teacher Reference

If you are interested in applying to be a Junior Artist but aren’t sure if it right for you, or have any questions about the programme or the application process, please get in touch with Lowri at [email protected]