No items found.

National Youth Orchestra

We are committed to developing New Zealand’s young orchestral musicians through the National Youth Orchestra.

Formed in 1959, the National Youth Orchestra has played a vital role in providing unique opportunities for the country’s most gifted young orchestral performers. NYO players have the opportunity to learn from and perform with leading conductors, artists and musicians of the NZSO. Many have gone on to forge successful careers as orchestral players, soloists, chamber musicians and teachers.

The NYO consists of young musicians under the age of 25 who meet annually to rehearse and perform a large symphonic repertoire in Wellington over the course of a week. The musicians are selected by taped audition, and for many, this is the one occasion each year when they get to work with a full orchestra and professional conductors and soloists.

View concerts

Important Dates:
‍
01 Dec 26 – Audition packs available
26 Feb 27 – Applications open
16 Mar 27 – Applications close 5pm
01 Apr 27 – Positions offered
06 Apr 27 – Final to accept
26 Jun 27 – Programme commences
04 Jul 27 – Programme ends

Applications for the 2026 NZSO National Youth Orchestra have now closed.  

Application information for the 2027 NZSO National Youth Orchestra will be available in December 2026.

 Eligibility:

Applicants must be a New Zealand resident, citizen, student (including exchange students) or visa holder
Applicants must be 25 years of age or younger as of 17 March 2026

Download NYO audition PDF

“The brilliance and passion of our young musicians gives a burst of energy and inspiration to audiences around New Zealand, as we tour the next generation of artistic talent.”

– NZSO Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor Gemma New

No 2026 NYO yet

There are no 2026 NYO to display.

FAQ

$350

All participants are required for a 1pm start on Saturday 26 June, 2027.

Yes, a limited number of scholarships are available. If you would like to be considered, simply complete the scholarship section when submitting your application.

Participants are responsible for arranging and funding their own travel to Wellington at the beginning of the course and their return travel home at the conclusion of the course.

If the NZSO National Youth Orchestra tours to another city during the course period, the NZSO will arrange and cover the cost of travel associated with that tour.

Participants may either arrange their own accommodation or choose NZSO-arranged accommodation. NZSO-arranged accommodation will be in shared rooms, typically with four to eight participants per room, at the following providers:

Wellington: Haka House
Auckland: LyLo
Christchurch: Urbanz

Accommodation costs for NZSO-arranged lodging will be confirmed closer to the course date, once room availability and participant numbers are known.

Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own meals throughout the course.

Learn More