Applications are now open for young musicians wishing to audition for the 2021/22 IMO Youth Orchestra & Choir
We are delighted to announce that the Irish Memory Orchestra is now inviting applications from musicians aged 10 – 24, to participate in the 2021/22 IMO Youth Orchestra & Choir programme: ‘Vision and Memory’.
This new cross-genre orchestra is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland’s Young Ensemble Scheme and will meet in Galway City from 12th-16th April 2022, with online learning and preparation beginning in November 2021.
Following an audition process, a large number of young full-sighted, blind and visually-impaired instrumentalists and singers will be selected to rehearse and perform alongside core members of the Irish Memory Orchestra and professional blind and visually-impaired musicians.
Together they will work towards a performance of Dave Flynn’s groundbreaking work, The Vision Symphony, in Galway on Easter Saturday, 16th April 2022. The performance will be conducted by Bjorn Bantock and will also include the world premiere of a new collaborative work composed by young blind/visually-impaired composers.
All of the musicians involved in the programme will perform from memory. Without the need for sheet music, the notion of disability recedes and enables each member of the orchestra to contribute equally. The most outstanding applicants will be selected as Youth Orchestra section leaders, and will work alongside professional members of the Irish Memory Orchestra to mentor their section. For all of the young participants, the experience of working with acclaimed musicians from diverse musical backgrounds promises to be an unforgettable creative and social experience.
Who can apply?
Young musicians aged 10-24 who live in Ireland or are Irish citizens, and meet the following criteria, are invited to apply:
- Instrumentalists performing on any instrument in a range of genres (trad, jazz, world, classical etc).
- Singers performing in any style
- All instruments and vocal styles will be considered. Musicians who have a high level of ability in traditional Irish music, classical music and/or jazz will be prioritised.
- Musicians who have reached an intermediate level of proficiency at a minimum, with the passion and commitment to perform a challenging programme by memory
- It is not necessary to be able to read music to participate. Musicians who can and can not read music are catered for.
Schedule
Thursday 26th August 2021: Applications Open
Friday 1st October 2021: Applications Close
November 2021 – April 2022: Participants must be available for online tuition approximately once a month
Tuesday 12th – Friday 15th April 2022: Rehearsal period in Galway City
Saturday 16th April 2022: Final rehearsal and public performance in Galway City
Costs
- There are no tuition fees in 2021/22
- Participants must organise and pay for their own travel and accommodation, and supervision is not provided for younger participants outside of the rehearsal hours.
- Further details on the rehearsal and performance venue in Galway will follow, along with a recommended accommodation option, if required.
- There will be several travel and accommodation scholarships for blind and vision-impaired musicians/singers.
- An audition fee of €12 will apply per applicant.
Apply now
To apply, please complete the online form at the link below and send us video auditions of yourself performing 2 contrasting pieces/songs on each instrument you wish to audition for.
Application deadline: Friday 1st October 2021.
Supported by the Arts Council of Ireland’s Young Ensemble Scheme
