Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra is Youth Company’s flagship symphony orchestra. It offers valuable orchestral and performance experience to advanced young musicians.  

As part of the Youth Orchestra, you’ll work with a variety of guest conductors, including Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan, Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Manze, and a range of other local and international conductors too. 

Youth Orchestra performs termly at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, where you will also get to play alongside world-class soloists. Previous guest soloists have included trumpeter Pacho Flores, violinist Elena Urioste and pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason.   

Youth Orchestra members regularly take part in informative and inspiring workshops with performance health specialists, conducting sessions and creative workshops with partner organisations such as the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain Musicians from Youth Orchestra take on a leadership role in supporting younger musicians in Youth Academy Orchestra through rehearsal support and mentoring.  

Youth Orchestra is the perfect fit for advanced young musicians who enjoy playing classical music in an orchestra, are passionate about music, committed to playing challenging and diverse  repertoire to a very high standard, and are aspiring to take their playing to the next level.  

Key Information: 
Ages: 12-21 years old 
Standard:  Grade 7+ (or equivalent) 
Instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp, Piano, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Percussion 
Audition required? Yes. For further audition information, please see the Youth Company prospectus. 

Rehearsals:  
Where: Liverpool Philharmonic @ The Friary, Everton, Liverpool  
When: Sundays during term time 10am-1.30pm

Applications now open

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Academy Orchestra is a friendly, supportive, intermediate ensemble for young musicians looking to learn the essentials of playing in an orchestra – and have lots of fun at the same time!   

Established as a core ensemble of Youth Company in 2021, it’s the ideal ensemble for first time orchestra players, and young musicians aspiring to join Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.   

Youth Academy Orchestra plays an exciting and diverse range of music – everything from classical and folk music, to movie and show tunes – and is co-directed by Alex Dunn and Gethyn Jones.  

As a member of Youth Academy Orchestra, you will have the opportunity to perform at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall twice a year, playing alongside musicians from Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. and you will receive regular coaching from Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musicians. You will frequently participate in fun workshop days that focus on teamwork, leadership and building confidence, and take part in performance health and wellbeing workshops with some of the country’s leading young musicians’ health specialists. Youth Academy Orchestra members also benefit from frequent concert visits and heavily discounted tickets to see the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra perform.   

Youth Academy Orchestra is ideal for young musicians looking to build confidence and experience in their ensemble skills.  

Key Information: 
Age: 10-18 
Standard:  Grade 4+ (or equivalent) 
Instruments: Violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, piano, harp.   
Audition required? No 
 
Rehearsals:  
Where: Liverpool Philharmonic @ The Friary, Everton, Liverpool 
When: Sunday evenings during term time, 5.30-8.00pm 

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This is Youth Company's newest ensemble to launch within the orchestral training pipeline, aimed at young musicians learning orchestral instruments between a Grade 2- 4 standard. This group sees strings, woodwind, brass and percussion musicians develop confidence and key ensemble skills, whilst performing an impressive range of fun and diverse music. Youth Training Orchestra will provide an invaluable foundation for aspiring young instrumentalists in the basics of ensemble playing, helping them develop their craft before taking the next step along Youth Company's orchestral path. 

The ensemble will regularly benefit from mentoring from members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as playing alongside them in special side-by-side rehearsals. Youth Training Orchestra musicians will also see themselves performing on stage at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall as a part of the annual Youth Company Festival, as well as in other venues around Liverpool. 

Key Information: 
Age:  10+ 
Standard: Playing at a level equivalent to or greater than Grade 2, up to Grade  
Instrumentation: Violin, viola,cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, frenhc horn, tenor horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, piano, harp 
Audition required? No 

Rehearsals:  
Where: Liverpool Philharmonic @ The Friary, Everton 
When: 2.30-4pm, every Sunday during term time 

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Youth Session Band debuted in February 2022, performing pop and jazz originals and covers alongside artists from LIMF Academy, under the artistic direction of Katie Chatburn. In summer 2022, Youth Session Band took to the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall stage in a collaboration with London jazz specialists, Tomorrow’s Warriors, having taken part in a series of inspiring workshops on the fundamentals of jazz, including improvisation.  

Youth Session Band has in the past  worked with Andy Stott (Head of Popular Music at the Royal Northern College of Music). 

Fast forward to 2025, and the band are now led by Liverpool session music specialist and performer, Nadeen Kemp, and are regularly performing in venues across Merseyside. In the summer of 2025, Youth Session Band is working alongside Jonny Abraham (multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, conductor) from the band Public Service Broadcasting. 

The group works closely with leading music creators from Liverpool and the surrounding area, using performances to showcase their own work. This makes our Youth Session Band the perfect fit for young musicians who compose their own original songs and music, have an interest in arranging pop, rock and R&B songs for a full band and orchestra, and are passionate about performing 

This ensemble is ideal for advanced musicians looking to play in an exciting, dynamic and forward-thinking group.  

Key Information: 
Age: 13-21 years old 
Instrumentation: vocalists, keys, electric guitar, electric bass, double bass, drum kit, percussion, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, trombone, violin, viola, cello.  
Standard: Grades not necessary, but a high level of experience and competency on your instrument/vocals is required. Instrumentalists must be able to read music.  
Audition required? Yes 

Rehearsals:  
Where: Liverpool Philharmonic @ The Friary, Everton, Liverpool  
When: Tuesday evenings during term time, 6.30-9.00pm 

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

As a member of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Brass Band, you will collaborate with other like-minded, passionate brass and percussion musicians to bring a range of exciting, multi-genre brass band repertoire to the stage.  
  
Youth Brass Band became a permanent fixture in Youth Company’s collection of ensembles in 2021 and have since delivered outstanding performances not only at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, but around the city.  

Led by Simon Cowen, one of the region’s top brass band music directors and Section Leader Trombone in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, members perform in thrilling concerts throughout the year, including performances on the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall stage, and in Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room.   

As part of weekly Brass Band rehearsals, you will participate in sectionals with members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and leading Brass Band specialists from across the North West. You will take part in informative performance health and wellbeing workshops with leading young musician performance specialists from across the country.   

Youth Brass Band members also benefit from playing alongside, and performing for, leading visiting brass musicians. In the past, this has included trumpeter Pacho Flores.   
  
Youth Brass Band musicians will be part of a network of the most talented young creatives from across Liverpool and Merseyside, and their ideas will form an integral part of the ensemble’s artistic activity.  

Key Information: 
Age: 8-21 years  
Standard: Grade 5 + (or equivalent)  
Instrumentation:  Soprano cornet, cornet, flugelhorn, baritone, tenor trombone, bass trombone, euphonium, E-flat bass, B-flat bass, percussion and drum kit players  
Audition required? Yes. For further audition information, please see the Youth Company prospectus 

Rehearsals: 
Where: Liverpool Philharmonic @ The Friary, Everton, Liverpool  
When: Wednesday evenings during term time, 7.00-9.00pm  

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir is Youth Company’s flagship choir for local young people aged 14-19. The choir performs throughout the year, not only at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, but across the region.  

A mixed choir of sopranos, altos, tenors and basses, the Youth Choir regularly performs with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, including singing in the popular annual ‘Spirit of Christmas’ concerts at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.   

Led by Artistic Director Simon Emery, the choir performs a wide variety of musical styles – everything from classical and jazz, to folk and roots music. The group regularly performs specially composed new works and collaborates with a variety of guest musicians, ensembles and choirs.  

The Youth Choir was invited to sing at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, a performance which was broadcast live to a worldwide audience of over 900 million people. In 2008, Youth Choir performed for Queen Elizabeth II, who served as patron of Liverpool Philharmonic from 1958 until her death.  

As a member of Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir, you will benefit from performance health and wellbeing workshops and advice, including vocal health training. You will receive regular vocal assessment to support your individual musical development.   

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir is the perfect ensemble for young singers aged 14-19, looking to perform exciting and diverse repertoire at incredible venues and high-profile events.   

Key Information:  
Age: 14-19 years  
Grade: Intermediate choral singing  
Audition required? Yes . For further audition information, please see the Youth Company prospectus. 

Rehearsals: 
Where: Notre Dame Catholic College, Everton, Liverpool  
When: Mondays during term time (excluding Bank Holidays), 6.30-9.00pm 

Applications now open 

A brand new choir joins the Youth Company ranks this year, promising to deliver a truly elevated choral experience for those on the pathway to auditioning for Youth Choir. 

The ensemble supports young singers in school years  and 8, making the move from Children's Choir, and working towards Youth Company's flagship Youth Choir.  

Youth Training Choir will help intermediate young singers prepare more advanced repertoire, make you aware of your voice and how best to protect it, and continue to enhance your performance skills through more mature and intermediate performance opportunities. 

Youth Training Choir musicians will work on vocal technique and choral etiquette, and further develop musicianship skills.  

For those whose voice is in the process of changing, Youth Training Choir will offer specialised and tailored support through talented vocal tutors, to ensure that young singers find their new vocal range in a healthy and supported way. 

Youth Training Choir also supports young singers  to make the move into Youth Choir, if you’d like to take your choral singing to the next level as you get older. Choral mentors work with you when you reach Year 8 to help you prepare the skills you’ll need to succeed in Youth Choir auditions. 

Youth Training Choir will perform regularly at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, as well as at venues around Liverpool, and alongside other vibrant Youth Company ensembles. 

Key information: 
Age: Years 7 and 8 
Standard: Some previous choral experience preferable, must be able to read music. 
Audition required? An entry assessment is required to get into Youth Training Choir. You will be required to present a piece of your choice, preferably from the choral, classical, folk or musical theatre genres (we advise that the pop genre is avoided), for further audition guidance please read the Youth Company Prospectus. 

Rehearsals: 
Where: Notre Dame Catholic College, Everton 
When: Mondays, during term time (excluding Bank Holidays), 6-8pm 

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Liverpool Philharmonic Children’s Choir is Youth Company’s non-auditioned mixed choir, bringing together 75 of the most enthusiastic young singers from Merseyside and beyond. 

Children’s Choir offers young singers in school years 5 and 6the opportunity to develop your choral skills through large choir rehearsals, as well as small group musicianship classes with expert choral mentors. Previous choral experience isn’t necessary, but it’s useful (though not essential) if young people interested in applying are able to read music. 

Children’s Choir frequently perform at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall– alongside the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, in the annual Singalong with Santa family concerts, and as part of other special family performances.  

Children’s Choir sing a wide variety of music, from musical theatre and movie themes, to more traditional choral music and newly commissioned works.  

Children’s Choir also take part in workshops on vocal health and wellbeing, teaching members the importance of protecting your voice to avoid future injury from a young age. 

Key Information 
Age: School years 5 and 6 
Standard:  No grades required, just a love of singing! 
Audition required: No 

Rehearsals: 
Where: Notre Dame Catholic College, Everton, Liverpool 
When: Mondays during term time (excluding Bank Holidays), 6.00-8.00pm 

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Liverpool Philharmonic Melody Makers is Youth Company’s fun, energetic entry-level choir for children in Years 3 and who love to sing! 

No previous choral experience is required – Melody Makers is designed to be the perfect introduction to the joys of singing in a large group of 75 young singers. 

Melody Makers, led by local choral specialist Alison White, explores fun choral works from a wide range of genres – everything from popular songs from films and musicals to traditional choral music. 

You will regularly perform in family concerts, such as our annual Singalong with Santa Christmas concerts, with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. You will also perform at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall alongside Children’s Choir and Youth Choir as part of our annual Choral Celebration. 

With weekly rehearsals during term time, you will learn the basics of singing in a choir through fun games, activities and songs. The group rehearse in a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages members to build  confidence and make friends.  

Key Information 
Age: School years 3 and 4 
Standard:  No grades required, just a love of singing! 
Audition required: No 

Rehearsals: 
Where: Notre Dame Catholic College, Everton, Liverpool 
When: Mondays during term time (excluding Bank Holidays), 6.00-7.00pm 

APPLications now open

Liverpool Philharmonic is the largest music employer in Liverpool City Region and as a member of Youth Company, you will have the opportunity to complete work experience within the organisation, if this is something you are interested in. Work experience placements are offered exclusively to Youth Company members. 

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s annual season always features national and international soloists, and Youth Company members frequently receive masterclasses with visiting artists.   

Masterclasses are always inspiring and offer you the opportunity to perform in front of your peers and a professional artist, who will give expert musical advice on taking performances to the next level.  

Youth Company has been proud to host masterclasses with internationally renowned artists including Ray Chen, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Tasmin Little, Sheona Wade, Timothy Chooi and Jess Gillam, to name just a few.   

Looking for a paid part-time job alongside your studies? Want to learn about the events industry at the same time? A real Living Wage employer, we host recruitment events for roles in our visitor experience, food and beverage, and technical production teams at the Hall. Check our website and social medial channels for more information, and we’ll always share opportunities with Youth Company members. Please note, some roles are subject to minimum age requirements.

Interested in working in music but don’t know where to start? Learn more about the wide array of opportunities in this field, meet leading industry professionals and kick start your musical career.

Liverpool Philharmonic’s Careers Fest is packed with hands-on workshops, fascinating demonstrations and talks from industry experts, covering everything you’d want to know about working in the music industry.

Whether you are interested in performing, composing, song writing, sound engineering, technical and production, music journalism, recording, management, music education or creative health, Careers Fest has something for you!

An annual highlight of Music Industry Careers Fest is our Music Careers Marketplace, where you’ll have the opportunity to chat to representatives from leading music organisations and employers, higher education organisations, apprenticeship schemes, professional support organisations and more.

Music Industry Careers Fest is perfect for anyone interested in a music career, but Youth Company members are entitled to one free priority ticket as part of their membership. Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear about the 2026 Careers Fest.

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Offered exclusively to Youth Company members, the Rushworth Young Composers and Songwriters Scheme supports aspiring music creators, like you, to build on your composing, writing and arranging skills, and discover your own musical style.

Our music creators are matched up with a mentor, who will help you develop your own creative voice. Through workshops and training, you’ll explore writing and arranging for Equilibrium String Quartet, an ensemble of musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. You’ll have the chance to perfect your writing techniques and then have your original work performed in an incredibly special evening of musical celebration at Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room. You could even share the stage with the Quartet to perform!