Royal Northern Sinfonia
Our Professional Experience Scheme with the Royal Northern Sinfonia is designed to give RNCM viola and cello students first-hand experience of the role of a creative orchestral artist and programme curator in the context of a professional chamber orchestra.
The application process involves writing an artistic proposal for a chamber ensemble concert which responds to one of the RNS’ themed chamber music weeks. All applications will be considered by a panel comprising RNCM Heads of School and members of the Performance and Programming Team, with students then being selected to proceed to the audition stage.
Auditions for this Scheme will emphasise chamber music performance. Students will be expected to present the first movement of a concerto or sonata and will additionally have the chance to play within a quartet of Royal Northern Sinfonia musicians, working with them in a way that reflects aspects of the audition model currently used for their professional orchestra recruitment. Students will also be involved in a short informal discussion with members of the panel about the artistic proposal outlined in their application form.
Following audition, a single selected student (one viola or one cello) will receive a tailored programme of artistic mentoring, tuition, opportunities to observe Chamber Ensemble rehearsals and be involved in a public performance opportunity at the base of the Royal Northern Sinfonia – The Sage, Gateshead.
Students who progress sufficiently during this time may then be invited to play in the Royal Northern Sinfonia large Chamber Ensemble in rehearsals and a short tour of a concert programme, across the North East of England.
