There are four places available for the 2026-27 fellowship. We welcome applications from the following instruments:

• Strings: Violin, Viola
• Woodwind: Flute, Piccolo, Basoon, Contrabasoon
• Brass: French Horn, Trumpet
• Percussion & Timpani

Candidates can apply for more than one instrument where relevant. Please note we will not offer more than one place per instrument.

You must be able to demonstrate the right to work in the UK. Applicants should be aged 18+ on 30 September 2025.  There is no upper age limit.

The programme is targeted at emerging orchestral musicians who are performing at the standard required to play in a professional orchestra, and may include those who are:

• in part- or full-time higher education with commitment to pursue orchestral music performance
• recently out of higher education but not yet established in an orchestral career
• considering a career change/move into orchestral work
• yet to establish an orchestral career

We acknowledge that our Orchestra and our industry is not fully reflective of the diverse society in which we live. Therefore, at Round 1, we are taking Positive Action to prioritise applications from emerging musicians from backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in UK orchestras.

Where applicants declare a protected characteristic (race, gender, socio-economic status, disability, or sexual orientation) and meet all the required criteria at Round 1 (including performance and supplementary criteria), they will be guaranteed a live Round 2 audition.

We are looking for Fellowship Musicians who commit to our values and: 

• Are striving towards excellence in their playing.
• Ensemble – are a team player, and able and willing to immerse themselves within Liverpool Philharmonic and all that we do.
• Welcoming – will be an ambassador for Liverpool Philharmonic in our communities, within the sector, and to future Fellowship Musicians.
• Must be able to demonstrate a desire for learning, personal development and a passion for music.

Round 1 – Application form and video audition

You can apply in two simple steps: 

• Record a video of your audition as per the guidelines listed in the application pack. Upload your video onto YouTube and share links with us on the application form. All audition requirements such as excerpts are available on our website below.
• Complete an online application form, including a link to your video audition.

Round 2 - Live auditions  

If you are successful in your initial application and video audition in Round 1, you will be invited to attend a live audition in Liverpool. Provisional dates for these are as follows:  

• Friday 20 March 2026 (Percussion)
• Tuesday 31 March 2026 (Strings)
• Wednesday 1 April 2026 (Woodwind)
• Thursday 2 April 2026 (Brass)

Applicants will need to be available between 10am – 5pm on the audition day. Live auditions will include an individual audition plus a group workshop or sectional with musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. We will provide a travel contribution of up to £50 for each candidate attending Round 2 live auditions (proof of travel/receipts will be needed).

Please use the following links to download the Audition Requirements for both Round 1 and 2. 

Violin

Viola

Flute

Piccolo

Bassoon

Contrabassoon

French Horn

Trumpet

Percussion & Timpani

• What is the closing date for applications?

The closing date for receipt of applications is 12pm on Thursday 27 November 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.  Liverpool Philharmonic accepts no responsibility for applications not received.

• Can I apply on more than one instrument? 

Candidates can apply for more than one instrument where relevant (e.g. you could submit one application on flute and a separate application for piccolo with flute if you want to be considered for both instruments individually).

• I don’t own one of the instruments listed (e.g. piccolo). Can I still apply on those instruments?

Yes you can, as long as you are able to borrow one for both the audition, and the time required during the Fellowship. 

• I have had one orchestral trial – am I eligible? 

If you have had one trial, we would encourage you to apply, but if you have had more trials, and are currently performing consistently with professional orchestras then this may not be the opportunity for you. 

• How much does it cost to apply? 

We do not want money to be a barrier to anyone applying, therefore it is free to apply. If you are invited to Round 2 live auditions in Liverpool, then a travel contribution of up to £50 will be provided. We will also be happy to discuss individual circumstances at Round 2 where appropriate.

• Can I apply if I am still studying? 

Yes, if you are at a suitable performing level then you are eligible, but you would need to make sure you can take time out of your studies to participate in the Fellowship. Applicants must be 18+ on 30 September 2025.

• Do I need to be a UK citizen? 

No but you must be able to demonstrate the right to work in the UK, and proof of this will be required prior to confirmation of places on the Fellowship. 

• Do I need to speak English fluently? 

You will need to have a good understanding of English as all rehearsals and mentor sessions will be in English. Rehearsals can be fast paced so this will be essential. 

• Where will the sessions in the Fellowship take place? 

The Fellowship activities will mostly take place in Liverpool at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall but may include other local venues in Liverpool, alongside other venues around the UK.

• Will I get paid if I am appointed as a Fellowship Musician?

Fellowship Musicians will receive a fee of £2500 to cover the year of work with us. This will be paid in equal five instalments, each paid after each patch of work. This fee is intended to cover the costs of your patches, including travel, accommodation, food and so on. Additional financial support can be provided where necessary.

The Fellowship is not a full-time course nor is it employment or considered equivalent to employment by Liverpool Philharmonic. Fellowship Musicians will be contracted as freelance musicians, solely for the duration of the patches of work in Liverpool. 

• Will accommodation be provided? 

If appointed as a Fellowship Musician, a contribution towards your accommodation for one night will be provided as part of the initial induction. All other accommodation for subsequent patches must be booked and paid for by yourself.

• How do I record the Round 1 Audition video? 

See the Application Pack for full guidance on how to record your video. We will only accept videos filmed on mobile phones, that are unedited (single continuous take) and clearly show who is performing. The panel will only hear audio of the video during shortlisting, but videos will be watched by other internal staff to ensure they meet the required specifications before shortlisting.

• What do I need to play as part of the audition? 

All Audition Requirements - such as excerpts - for each instrument are available to download on our website. 

• I can’t make the Round 2 Live Audition date – what can I do? 

Unfortunately, due to the nature of the orchestral schedule we are not able to offer any alternative dates or times for auditions. 

• Will there be sightreading in my audition? 

There may be a short piece of unprepared sightreading in your Round 2 audition. 

• Will I receive any feedback?

Yes, all eligible applications will receive feedback on their orchestral excerpts, but you may not receive feedback on your audition piece. Please make sure to play your excerpts first in your video audition.

• I have another question not listed here. 

Please get in touch with Nikita Robinson, Learning Officer (robinson@liverpoolphil.com or call 07977 164794)