In collaboration with six of the UK’s leading orchestras, Black Lives in Music (BLiM) will be holding professional development workshops for woodwind players in Winter 2023. We welcome all woodwind players from the global majority (musicians from Black, Asian and ethnically traditionally underrepresented groups) to apply. The professional development workshops will include woodwind sectional rehearsals, orchestral excerpt masterclasses and mock auditions. The aim of these workshops is to equip participants with the necessary skills to achieve success in future orchestral auditions.
Extra work auditions for global majority string players will be held in Autumn 2023.
Participants will have the opportunity to work with musicians from the following participating orchestras:
“The repertoire was perfect for getting a true feel of the orchestras.”
“Without a doubt, I would recommend it to other musicians”
“Recruiting Classical has opened up more opportunities for me in a much shorter time. I would highly recommend it.”
“It has helped me to understand more about the industry and what to do as a freelancer.”
“It will be great to hold auditions for this scheme again to help the future generation.”
Black Lives in Music is an organisation working to help dismantle structural racism and level the playing field of opportunity for everyone in the UK music industry. We are supporting the industry by working with organisations to help provide more professional opportunities. We want to achieve equality for Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse professionals at all levels and in all areas of the UK music industry. Together, we know that representation matters. With our partners we are helping to create a level playing field for everyone to have an equal chance to succeed and without being the subject of discrimination.
We are proud to be working with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in a collaborative effort to widen representation in their orchestras and champion diverse performing talent. Together, we believe that classical music is for everyone – on the stage, behind the stage and in the audience. This initiative is part of a strong programme of work by the orchestras involved to drive change and deliver on this aspiration.
If you are a global majority string or woodwind player (musicians from Black, Asian and ethnically traditionally underrepresented groups), orchestrally trained or have good experience of playing in an orchestral setting, please apply. These are six of the UK’s leading orchestras, all with international profiles, your playing will need to reflect these standards in your audition.
The orchestras concerned are committed to nurturing a diverse and representative workforce that is representative of wider contemporary society in the UK. They will be positive and fair in their actions to book successful applicants as opportunities arise.
In exceptional circumstances, we can help with intercity travel if you are based outside London or Manchester.
Please contact rc@blim.org.uk should you require support with travel.
Please complete the application and the Tell us about you form and submit by 5pm on Monday 9th October 2023. Should you be successful in your application you may be required to attend auditions.
Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass auditions:
Saturday 18th November 2023 (London) and Monday 27th November 2023 (Liverpool or Manchester)
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon auditions:
Spring 2024 in London and Liverpool
Please look at the audition requirements and prepare carefully in readiness.
We’ll aim to notify all applicants as soon as possible after the deadline and at the latest by Friday 17th November.
Please prepare the following repertoire relevant to your instrument. An accompanist will be available for your concerto offering.
NB Woodwind applicants will be notified in due course of audition repertoire requirements for activities taking place in Spring 2024
Auditions will be held in London and the Northwest (Manchester or Liverpool TBC) for the following instruments
Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass:
Sat 18 November (London)
Mon 27 November (Northwest, location TBC)
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon:
Spring 2024 (London and Liverpool)
exact dates TBC
All applicants will be given an audition, we wish for you to have the best possible opportunity to express your talent through a fair and inclusive process.
Musicians involved in last year’s Recruiting Classical programme are already working with the UK’s leading orchestras. Should you have any questions, please get in touch. If you are a global majority strings or woodwind player wishing to develop your professional experience in the orchestra sector, please apply – together, we can make change!
