Recruiting classical
Strings Audition
Applications are now open
2025 Application
In collaboration with eight of the UK’s leading orchestras, Black Lives in Music (BLiM) will be holding a third cycle of extra work auditions in Summer 2025. We welcome all string players (violin, viola, cello, double bass) from the global majority (musicians from Black, Asian and ethnically traditionally underrepresented groups) to apply for a place on the extra work lists of the following participating orchestras:
Working closely with BLiM, our partner orchestras are working towards achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce within their own organisations. It is important to all of the orchestras involved that their work is relevant to and representative of the communities we live in.
Successful audition candidates will gain a place on the extra work lists of all the orchestras involved and will be engaged by each of the eight orchestras as extra work opportunities arise. This is a collective commitment to actively and positively widen representation within the workforce of the orchestras involved. All eligible applicants will be granted an audition.
Auditions will be screened and there will be global majority representation on all audition panels.
Here’s what some previous Recruiting Classical musicians had to say about the programme:
“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.”
Audition Information
Auditions will be held in London and Manchester for the following instruments:
Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
Audition dates:
Manchester: Friday 18 July 2025
London: Monday 28 / Tuesday 29 July 2025
Who can apply:
All applicants must have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate music degree or equivalent. Current undergraduate students (3rd year and above) will also be considered.
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Deadline:
Please complete and submit your application by 5pm, Friday 27 June 2025.
Audition requirements:
FAQs
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, The Halle, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Ulster 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 eight 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 subsequent Tell us about you form.
Please look at the audition requirements and prepare carefully in readiness.
We aim to notify all applicants as soon as possible following the closing date on 27th June 2025
Audition requirements
Candidates will be asked to prepare the exposition of a classical concerto of their choice as follows:
Violin – Mozart concerto no 3,4 or 5
Viola – Stamitz or Hoffmeister
Cello – Haydn C or D major
Double bass – Vanhal or Dittersdorf
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!