Haere Mai Rangatahi! Spotlight on Youth

Solo Opportunity Auditions

Dreaming of your chance to perform with CSO? We want to hear from you! We’re offering an aspiring young musician the chance to feature as a guest soloist with CSO.
Applications close 5.00pm, Friday 11 April
Auditions to be held Friday 6 June

TO APPLY: Please submit your musical CV (1 page max.) stating the work you would like to perform (must be no more than 6 minutes and be entertaining, suitable for a light concert like Proms, Sparks or Christmas variety-type concerts), and a letter of recommendation from your teacher. Email your submission to selena.prior@cso.co.nz

Accepting applications for players of Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Percussion and Harp.

Image: Tang

Aspirations Conductor Training Programme

Learn the fundamentals of good conducting technique, score study and development of season design from our very own Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Benjamin Northey.

Applications have closed for 2025.

Session dates as follows: 14 May, 28 August, and 5 November, 4.00pm to 6.00pm (subject to change).

TO APPLY: Please submit the highlights of your musical CV (1 page max), a cover letter outlining your conducting aspirations, a short video (3 minute maximum), and a letter of recommendation from a musician/music teacher who knows you well to selena.prior@cso.co.nz

CSO Ambassador Programme

Know an intermediate or high school student with a passion for music who wants to get closer to the action of Christchurch Symphony Orchestra? This is for them! Ambassadors get to know our CSO musicians, get to know each other and are invited to selected rehearsals and concerts. All in the name of spreading the word about CSO and getting other young people involved.

Registrations closed for 2025.

Ambassador meetings for 2025:

• 5.00pm – 6.00pm, 27 February
• 5.00pm – 6.00pm, 12 June
• 5.00pm – 6.00pm, 28 August
• 5.00pm – 6.00pm, 17 October
  

CSO Ambassador Programme is supported by Michael Snowden.

Irelands Internships

Thanks to the generosity of Irelands Real Estate, CSO offers young musicians the opportunity to intern with CSO and get a taste of pursuing a career in the world of orchestral music.

Applications closed for 2025.

Slater Violin

A beautiful three-quarter violin, kindly donated by Barbara Slater, is available for loan to an enthusiastic young violin student.

Applications have closed for 2025.

TO APPLY: Submit a short recommendation from your violin teacher, and a cover letter with a brief outline of your progress to date and a brief outline of how you would benefit from the use of the instrument. Submit your application to selena.prior@cso.co.nz

Accelerando Junior Strings Development Programme

We’re welcoming exceptional young string players (aged 13 years and under) to join us for mentorship, workshops and opportunities to spend time developing techniques and musicianship supported by our leading string players.

Applications have closed for 2025.

NXTGen Youth Think Tank

Rangatahi young people helping to shape the future of CSO. This team of thinkers contributes to how we shape CSO to make a difference to the young people in our community.

If you're interested in being involved, please email selena.prior@cso.co.nz


NXTGen Youth Think Tank Programme is supported by Michael Snowden.

Foundations Youth Mentoring Programme

An opportunity for young players to get a bit of extra feedback about their playing, or advice on how to reach musical goals from our CSO musicians and their wealth of experience.

Applications have closed for 2025.

TO APPLY: Submit your musical CV (no more than 1 page) and a cover letter outlining how having a mentor would help you to follow your dreams to selena.prior@cso.co.nz