Deadline to submit audition application: Wednesday May 15, 2024
Audition Day: Sunday June 2, 2024
The VSO School of Music’s youth string ensembles are a uniquely supportive and friendly space for young people to build ensemble skills, challenge themselves musically, and experience unforgettable performance, masterclass, coaching and social opportunities. The ensembles are known as much for their jovial camaraderie as their commitment to excellence.
String ensembles meet weekly on Saturdays to rehearse a variety of music including specialized arrangements tailored to each group’s level. They enjoy an array of opportunities, including side-by-side and pre-concert appearances with the VSO; masterclasses with international guest artists; concerts in the Orpheum Theatre and other celebrated venues around Vancouver; collaborations with the VSO School’s jazz and world music departments; coachings with VSO principal players; weekend intensive retreats and much more.
Ensemble Levels
- Beginner (RCM level 2-5 OR Suzuki book 2-4) PRELUDIO
- Intermediate (RCM level 6-8 OR Suzuki book 5-7)
– Age 9-12yrs* INTERMEZZO
– Age 11-16yrs* CONCERTANTE - Advanced (RCM Level 9-ARCT OR Suzuki book 7-10) SINFONIETTA
*These age ranges are approximate and may be revised upon the completion of auditions
| Preludio | Saturdays, 1:15-2:30pm | $605 / $535 VSOSoM discount |
| Intermezzo | Saturdays, 11:30-1:00pm | $675 / $595 VSOSoM discount |
| Concertante | Saturdays, 2:45-4:15pm | $675 / $595 VSOSoM discount |
| Sinfonietta | Saturdays, 9:15-11:15am | $785 / $685 VSOSoM discount |
Youth String Ensemble rehearsal dates (2024-25)
September 14 – December 16, 2024
January 6 – March 16, 2025
April 5 – May 31, 2025
No rehearsal on Oct 12, 2023 and May 24, 2025
Youth String Ensemble Performance dates (2024-25)
November 26,2024 | String Ensembles at The Playhouse
December 13, 2024 | Sinfonietta with James Hill & Anne Janelle Christmas Concert at Christ Church Cathedral
March 14-18 2025* VSO Eastern Canada Tour | Sinfonietta (*dates tbc)
March 23, 2025 | Sinfonietta/VSO Side-by-Side concert
June 3, 2025 | String Ensembles at The Playhouse
Application Information
To apply to join a VSOSoM youth string ensemble, fill out the Audition Application form by Wednesday May 15, 2024.
Audition Guidelines for 2024-25
NEW Viola & Bass Scholarship Program for 2024-25
The VSO School of Music Viola & Bass Scholarship Program supports viola and bass students in furthering their studies and participating in a range of ensembles.
Students auditioning for large string ensembles or chamber ensembles are eligible to apply for a limited number of Viola and Bass scholarships. Up to $5000 in Scholarship funds will be allocated to multiple students upon the conclusion of the ensemble auditions.
The positions of principal viola and principal bass in Sinfonietta will receive a full scholarship covering the ensemble tuition plus 3 coaching sessions with VSO musicians.
To apply: Students must indicate in their Audition Application form that they wish to be considered for this scholarship. Applicants will be evaluated for the scholarship in the course of their audition, which will be heard by String Department Chair Carla Birston and members of the VSO.
Applicants to the Viola & Bass Scholarship Program are required to prepare a 2nd contrasting piece for their ensemble audition.
This program is part of The Tovey Centre for Music
