Antwerps Jeugdorkest
Are you younger than 26 and would you like to gain experience with your instrument in a symphonic orchestra with a professional framework? At the AJO (Antwerps Jeugorkest) you learn from the best: you rehearse under the guidance of musicians from the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra and play great symphonic pieces together with other talented youngsters on the stage of the beautiful Queen Elisabeth Hall. Both those preparing for a professional career and those pursuing that passion in their spare time, are most welcome to join.
Join the orchestra
The next project will continue in spring 2025 (Beethoven 7 conducted by Stijn Saveniers).
Audition
To allocate the available places in the orchestra properly, we ask you to send in an audition video. This video should give us an impression of your musical level in 3-5 minutes.
Important dates:
- Submission period: You can submit your audition video from 01.01.2025.
- Deadline: Make sure your video reaches us no later than 01.03.2025.
- Send your audition video to ajo@antwerpso.be, along with the completed registration form.
More instructions on how to record the video and what we expect from you exactly can be found below. If you have any questions on this, you can always contact us at ajo@antwerpso.be.
Guidelines for your audition video
We would like to get an idea of your musical level. Therefore, we ask you to record an audition video. In this video, you will play 3-5 minutes.
- Violins: Play the requested orchestral parts from Beethoven's Seventh Symphony, you can download the scores here.
- Other instruments: Choose freely a piece from your repertoire.
You can simply record the video with a smartphone. Follow the steps below to make your recording successful:
1. Choose a suitable location
Find a quiet place where you can play undisturbed. Make sure there is as little background noise as possible.
2. Position your smartphone
Position your smartphone in a spot from where you will have a good view while playing. This can be done in both portrait and landscape mode.
3. Record the video
- Start recording and introduce yourself briefly.
- Then play the requested repertoire.
- Tip: Use the first recording to get used to the process.
4. Choose your best recording
Feel free to make several attempts and finally choose the video you are most satisfied with.
5. Send in your video
- Send your video to ajo@antwerpso.be.
- Is your video too big for e-mail? Then use a platform such as WeTransfer.
- Complete the registration form at the same time.
6. What happens next?
We will watch your video carefully and give you feedback as soon as possible.
Good luck with your audition!
Rehearsals & concert
Rehearsals
Wed 30.04.2025 - 17:00-22:00, Filharmonisch Huis
Thu 01.05.2025 - 09:30-15:30, Filharmonisch Huis
Sat 03.05.2025 - 09:30-15:30, Filharmonisch Huis
Sun 04.05.2025 - 09:30-15:30, Filharmonisch HuisSat 10.05.2025 - 09:30-15:30, Filharmonisch Huis
Sun 11.05.2025 - 12:00-14:00, Queen Elisabeth Hall
Concert
Sun 11.05.2025 - 16:00
Queen Elisabeth Hall
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TicketsSun 11.05.2516:00
Frequently asked questions
Why are auditions held?
In every symphonic orchestra, the number of places for musicians is limited. The number of musicians who can be admitted depends on your instrument and on the number of members already accepted. To distribute those places fairly, we opt for auditions. This has a number of advantages for you and for us:
- Auditions allow us to get to know you: what level do you have, how well do you fit in with the orchestra and what position in the orchestra suits you best.
- An audition helps us to distribute the roles within the orchestra or an instrument group.
- In addition, the auditions help you discover what level is expected during rehearsals.
- Finally, we offer future professional musicians the opportunity to gain audition experience.
Who can audition?
Are you between 14 and 26 years old and play a symphonic instrument? Then you can audition for the AJO. Both those preparing for a professional career and those who enjoy making music together in a symphonic setting in their free time are welcome.
If you already auditioned once and didn't pass, you are of course welcome to apply again.
Do you have doubts or questions about the level, age category or other criteria? Feel free to send an e-mail to ajo@antwerpso.be.
How do I prepare for the auditions?
Practice the indicated orchestral tunes. You do not need to prepare anything else for the audition. If you feel like adding a solo piece of maximum 3 minutes, which reflects your abilities, you are free to do so.
How is a project structured?
Each project starts with rehearsals. You rehearse with your instrument group led by coaches (musicians of the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra) and then come together with the whole orchestra led by the conductor (tutti). The AJO works each project towards a big final concert on the Queen Elisabeth Hall stage.
Always check carefully where and when your instrument group is expected at the rehearsal. We expect everyone to attend every rehearsal. Are you exceptionally unable to attend? Then contact us as soon as possible so that we can look for a solution together.
How do I prepare for rehearsals?
In order to have an efficient rehearsal together, it is important that every musician in the orchestra is well prepared for rehearsals. So review well in advance all the parts you will play, and study where necessary.
Do you have any questions about the parts? Then feel free to ask them via e-mail so that we can submit them to the coaches and captains.
What projects have there been?
Brahms 4
Conductor: Arjan Tien
Su 10.03.2024 - 16:00
Queen Elisabeth Hall, Antwerp
Dvořák 7
Conductor: Stijn Saveniers
Sa 11.11.2023 - 16:00
Queen Elisabeth Hall, Antwerp
Brahms 1
Conductor: Jaume Santonja
Su 30.04.2023 - 16:00
Queen Elisabeth Hall, Antwerp
Tsjajkovski 5
Conductor: Jaume Santonja
Su 23.10.2022 - 16:00
Queen Elisabeth Hall, Antwerp
Dvořák 9
Conductor: Olivier Robe
Su 29.05.2022 - 16:00
Queen Elisabeth Hall, Antwerp
Rachmaninov 2
Conductor: Olivier Robe
Su 01.12.2019 - 20:00
Queen Elisabeth Hall, Antwerp
Beethoven 5
Conductor: Jaume Santonja
Su 30.06.2019 - 20:00
Queen Elisabeth Hall, Antwerp
Sjostakovitsj 5
Conductor Jaume Santonja
Su 04.11.2018 - 15:00
Queen Elisabeth Hall, Antwerp
