Entry level choir, no previous experience needed. For Years 3 and 4.
Liverpool Philharmonic Children’s Choir
Young singers can join Children’s Choir from Melody Makers, or with no prior experience. For singers in Year 5 upwards.
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Training Choir
For young singers with ambitions of joining Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir, Training Choir provides an elevated experience for Year 7 and 8 choral singers.
End of Year 8 – Where to now?
Voice changing? Not sure what vocal part you are anymore, and would like guidance?
Liverpool Philharmonic Cambiata Choir (part of Youth Choir)
Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass singer, in Year 9 or above, and looking to take your choral singing to the next level?
Discover our advanced, auditioned ensembles for young orchestral, choral, brass, pop and jazz musicians. Let’s take your musical skills to the next level.
For more information about auditions, go to page 39
Standard: Playing at a level equivalent to or greater than Grade 7
Instrumentation: violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, french horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, piano, harp
Rehearsals
Where: Liverpool Philharmonic @ The Friary, Everton
When: Sundays during term time 10am-1.30pm
Key dates
23 November 2025 - Youth Orchestras Concert at Philharmonic Hall, side-byside with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan
1 March 2026 - Youth Orchestra 75th Birthday Concert at Philharmonic Hall, premiering a new work written for Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra by Carmel Smickersgill
5 July 2026 - Youth Company Festival: Orchestras Celebration Concert
Audition required
Classical Ensembles
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
For 75 years, the iconic Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra has been home to the brightest young orchestral musicians from Liverpool and the North West, providing opportunities that no one else in the region can offer.
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra has helped its members achieve greatness. Some go on to perform in prestigious ensembles (including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra) and some – Sir Simon Rattle – even go on to be among the most acclaimed and respected conductors in the world.
With principal conductor Robert Guy on the podium, you’ll head off on international tours, perform at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, and work with exceptional guest conductors including Andrew Manze, Sir Simon Rattle, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s Chief Conductor, Domingo Hindoyan. You’ll be mentored by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musicians, and join them on stage in special side-by-side concerts. You’ll also perform with world class soloists – previously we’ve welcomed trumpeter Pacho Flores, violinist Elena Urioste and pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason.
Youth Orchestra will support your development on and off the stage. You’ll connect with partner organisations such as the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, become a musical mentor by
working with younger musicians in the Youth Academy Orchestra, and take part in vital performance health and wellbeing workshops.
So, if you’re an advanced young orchestral instrumentalist who’s passionate about performing, ready to tackle challenging repertoire and aspiring to take your playing to the next level, Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra is the place for you.
‘There is no feeling like being a part of Youth Orchestra. It is by far the highlight of my week and I wake up every Sunday feeling excited that I’ve got rehearsals. Just the feeling of making the music with everyone is incredible – being surrounded by people who love it just as much as you makes it so much more fun!’
Lana, aged 17, Youth Orchestra violinist 2023
Classical Ensembles
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir
You’ve got a voice. Use it, nurture it, join it with others. Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir is where you’ll find the best young singers in the region, and where you’ll be mentored by expert vocal coaches.
Led by Artistic Director Simon Emery –who’s been at the helm for over 25 years – Youth Choir performs traditional choral works, contemporary pieces, and even specially composed new commissions, often coming together with dynamic guest artists and ensembles including Jennifer Johnston and Kantos Chamber Choir.
Youth Choir’s impressive reputation has opened some incredible doors. The ensemble sang to a global audience of 900 million during the 2012 Olympics, and also performed for Queen Elizabeth II. Of course, the Choir is no stranger to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, regularly accompanying the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and performing in the annual festive extravaganza, Spirit of Christmas.
Youth Choir singers with changing voices will also join the Cambiata Choir – a specially-designed choral group providing expert guidance and support as your voice develops.
We’ll always focus on getting you to the top of your game. Youth Choir singers will receive performance health and wellbeing advice, as well as vocal health training.
A team of specialist choral tutors will also be on hand to monitor and support your musical development.
‘Youth Choir attracts young people from across the area. This means we get to meet new friends from different schools, of different ages, but who all share a love of music. I have learned so much, not just about music but about myself. I love rehearsal evenings! Getting to spend time with a diverse group of like-minded friends and making music is one of the highlights of my week.’
Sofia, aged 17, Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir Member
Key Information
Age: Year 9 - 19 years old
Standard: Grade 5+
Rehearsals
Where: Notre Dame Catholic College, Everton
When: Mondays during term time (excluding Bank Holidays), 6.30-9pm
Key dates
19-23 December 2025 - Spirit of Christmas concerts with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir
23 April 2026 - Choral Showcase with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir and their conductor Matthew Hamilton
12 July 2026 - Youth Company Festival: Choral Celebration Concert
...plus a very exciting opportunity in the summer, to be announced!
‘Aside from the amazing performance and musical opportunities that come with being in Youth Session Band, the social aspect is something I love about it. All of the staff and the other members are so friendly and welcoming. I’ve made some lifelong friendships and even gone on to form bands with other members.
As a pop musician, it’s amazing that I get to play alongside orchestral instruments, especially whilst performing on such an iconic stage so early into my career. It’s an incredibly rare and exciting opportunity!
It's expected that you'll come to rehearsals prepared and willing to offer and contribute ideas of your own. It really forces you to think creatively about how you’re playing your instrument, which has ultimately made me a much better player!
After being a member of the Youth Session Band for three years, I’ve made lots of connections with industry professionals and had some amazing performance opportunities that have really helped shape the beginning of my career in music.’
Lucy, aged 17, bass guitarist in Youth Session Band
Gary William Smith
Key Information
Age: 13-21 years old
Standard: Grades are not necessary, but a high level of experience and competency on your instrument/vocals is required (Grade 6 or equivalent and above). Instrumentalists must be able to read music.
Where: Liverpool Philharmonic @ The Friary, Everton
When: Tuesday evenings during term time, 6.30-9pm
Key dates
Christmas performance in an iconic Liverpool venue, to be announced!
21 February 2026 - LIMF Academy Orchestrated with Katie Chatburn and LIMF Academy artists
28 June 2026 - Youth Company Festival: Youth Session Band Showcase Audition required
Pop & Jazz
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Session Band
Ambitious? Adventurous? You’ll fit right in here. Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Session Band is leading the way within the region’s music scene. First taking to the stage in 2022, it has quickly become renowned for its high-quality live performances of pop, jazz and R&B music.
Performing originals and covers, you’ll play within a fresh, dynamic and forwardthinking group. You’ll have the chance to try out a variety of music styles, find what suits you and develop as a pop artist and session musician. Your performances at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall will benefit from amazing live sound and lighting by our in-house professional production team, making this the perfect group for innovative musicians who really want to put on a show.
In its short – but impressive – history, Youth Session Band has collaborated with LIMF Academy musicians and also London jazz specialists Tomorrow’s Warriors, who delivered a series of inspiring workshops too. With local pop and session musician Nadeen Kemp at the helm, you’ll learn to hone your craft from the very best.
Katie Chatburn – composer, arranger and founder of Ignition Orchestra (performing around the UK as part of Garage Classical) – leads Youth their musicians in exploring their own creativity and sound.
If you’re interested in writing original music
or arranging, Youth Session Band will provide everything you need to grow.
Be the boldest, be the best. Bring your sound to Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Brass Band –home to passionate and talented brass and percussion musicians.
Since its 2021 debut, Youth Brass Band has delivered outstanding performances around the city. The group brought the house down at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and even appeared in the Eurovision Fan Village. And with Simon Cowen – a renowned brass band music director and Section Leader Trombone in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra – at the helm, this ensemble brings you incredible access and opportunities within the brass band world.
Leading brass specialists, including tutors from the Royal Northern College of Music, will join you at rehearsals, and you’ll also hear from world-renowned artists and experts in exclusive workshops. In the past, Youth Brass Band members have played with, and learned from, trumpeter Pacho Flores and brass band specialist Sheona Wade.
And if that weren’t enough, you’ll be joining a network of the most talented young brass musicians from across Liverpool and Merseyside.
Where: Liverpool Philharmonic @ The Friary, Everton
When: Wednesday evenings during term time, 7-9pm
Key dates
3 December 2025 - A Festive Fanfare concert with Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Training Choir
Exciting masterclasses, side-byside rehearsals and additional performances in Term 2
28 June 2026 - Youth Company Festival performance
‘Youth Brass Band is an excellent way to connect with other musicians, and to work together in a friendly environment. The pride felt at the end of performances or the end of practices is a brilliant feeling, which is shared by other like-minded young musicians.’
Zachary, aged 15, euphonium player, Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Brass Band
Gareth Jones
Ready to push yourself?
Intermediate Ensembles
Our intermediate ensembles allow young musicians to really grow. You know your instrument or voice, you love performing – and we can help you take it up a gear.
If you’re interested in more than one ensemble, make sure to find out more about our multiensemble discount – head to page 40.
Gary William Smith
Key Information
Age: 10 -18 years old
Standard: Playing at a standard equivalent to Grade 4 - Grade 6
Instrumentation: violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, french horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, piano, harp Rehearsals
Where: Liverpool Philharmonic @ The Friary, Everton
When: Sunday evenings during term time, 5.30-8pm
Key dates
23 November 2025 - Youth Orchestras Concert at Philharmonic Hall
1 March 2026 - Youth Orchestra 75th Birthday Concert at Philharmonic Hall
Side-by-side rehearsal with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in the summer term No audition required
Intermediate Ensembles
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Academy Orchestra
Time to step it up? Introducing Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Academy Orchestra. This is where musical talent thrives.
Youth Academy Orchestra gives you space to learn and perform diverse and exciting repertoire. You’ll share musical ideas. You’ll collaborate, build friendships, and have fun. You’ll work alongside expert conductors and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musicians, learning and perfecting orchestral repertoire. Rehearsals are friendly and supportive, helping you master the skills you’ll need to thrive in any orchestra, and feel at home even if you’ve never taken part in group music-making before. Leading experts will coach you in teamwork, leadership and performance health and wellbeing skills, vital for orchestral playing.
Concerts will be something special too. You’ll take to the stage in front of packed audiences at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, often performing side-by-side with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra or Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.
And as you grow, we’ll have opportunities to match. More experienced orchestral players can audition for the Advanced Chamber Music scheme. It’ll give you the chance to work closely with conductors and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musicians, preparing more
challenging repertoire and exploring your own creative music-making. Got an eye on Youth Company’s flagship Youth Orchestra? We’ll support you in getting there – helping you prepare audition excerpts in mock auditions and coaching.
‘Youth Academy Orchestra inspired me to take the step to audition for Youth Orchestra. We had mentors from the Youth Orchestra, watched their concerts, and I also found the mock auditions really helpful. The group helped prepare me to be a Youth Orchestra-level musician, as it developed every aspect of my playing through learning new techniques in sectionals, working on my confidence and ensemble playing.’
Phoebe, aged 16, former Youth Academy Orchestra member
Intermediate Ensembles
Liverpool Philharmonic Children’s Choir
Raise the roof in Liverpool Philharmonic Children’s Choir – come along and join some of Merseyside’s most passionate young singers.
We’ve got a big group making big sounds, taking on everything from traditional choral music to musical theatre and newly commissioned works. But we keep a close eye on the small details too. You’ll take part in focused musicianship classes, with expert choral mentors helping you enhance your musical knowledge and vocal technique.
You’ll perform alongside the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in our show-stopping family Christmas concerts, as well as the annual Youth Company Festival.
And don’t worry, it doesn’t matter if you’ve never sung in a choir before. Reading music also isn’t a must (but it does come in handy). We just want you to be enthusiastic and have fun.
Key Information
Age: Years 5 and 6
No audition required
Standard: No grades required, just a love of singing!
Rehearsals
Where: Notre Dame Catholic College, Everton
When: Mondays during term time (excluding Bank Holidays), 6-8pm
Key dates
20-21 December 2025 - Santa's Christmas Party concerts with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
End of Term 2 - Family and Friends Sharing Sessions
12 July 2026 - Youth Company Festival: Choral Celebration Concert
Gary William Smith
Intermediate Ensembles
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Training Choir
A brand-new choir joins the Youth Company ranks this year, promising to deliver an elevated choral experience for those on the pathway to auditioning for Youth Choir.
This ensemble supports young singers hoping to move between Children’s Choir and Youth Company’s flagship Youth Choir. Youth Training Choir will prepare you for more advanced repertoire and auditions, make you aware of your voice and how to best look after it, and continue to enhance your performance skills. You’ll work on vocal technique and choral etiquette, further developing your voice and musicianship.
Key Information
Age:
Years 7 and 8
Standard: Some previous choral experience preferable, must be able to read music
Rehearsals
Where: Notre Dame Catholic College, Everton
When: Mondays during term time (excluding Bank Holidays), 6-8pm
Key dates
3 December 2025 - A Festive Fanfare concert with Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Brass Band
End of Term 2 - Family and Friends Sharing Sessions
12 July 2026 - Youth Company Festival: Choral Celebration Concert
Explore our ensembles for budding young musicians –where you can come together with others through music, develop your music-making skills, and of course, have lots of fun along the way!
So you’re getting into the groove with your instrument, and now you want to come together with others - Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Training Orchestra is the perfect fit for you.
This group sees woodwind, strings, brass and percussion musicians develop confidence and key ensemble skills. All this while performing an impressive range of fun and diverse music. Musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra are regularly on hand to support learning too.
Youth Training Orchestra provides an invaluable foundation - it's where you can develop your craft before taking the next step along Youth Company’s orchestral path.
Standard: Playing at a level equivalent to or greater than Grade 2, up to Grade 4
Instrumentation: violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, french horn, tenor horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, piano, harp
Rehearsals
Where: Liverpool Philharmonic @ The Friary, Everton
When: Sundays during term time, 2.30-4pm
Key dates
July 2026 - Performing on the Philharmonic Hall stage in the annual Youth Company Festival
Further performances and side-by-side rehearsals to be announced
Budding musicians
Liverpool Philharmonic Melody Makers
Love to sing? We want to hear you! Liverpool Philharmonic Melody Makers is Youth Company’s fun, energetic, entry-level choir for children in primary school Years 3 and 4.
Melody Makers provides the perfect introduction to the joys of singing in a large group. In weekly rehearsals led by choral specialists, choir members learn the basics of choral singing through fun games and activities, covering a wide range of genres, building confidence and igniting a real love of singing.
The group take to the iconic Liverpool Philharmonic Hall stage in our showstopping Youth Company Festival every summer, and perform in other exciting performances throughout the year.
Standard: No grades required, just a love of singing!
Rehearsals
Where: Notre Dame Catholic College, Everton
When: Mondays during term time (excluding Bank Holidays), 6-7pm
Key dates
Christmas sharing performance Family and Friends Sharing in the Autumn term
July 12: Youth Company Festival Choral Celebration Concert
‘My
child has become more confident socially, and talks enthusiastically about the friends he has made at Melody Makers. Singing and performing together is a bonding experience, and it’s great that the children in the choirs can experience the joy of that at such a young age.’
You are the future of our city’s music scene. That’s something we’re really excited about, and that’s why Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company is passionate about supporting and training the next generation of composers, songwriters and music creators.
We link our young creatives with some of the country’s best composers and songwriters. Through mentoring and workshops, they will support you to explore your own creativity, write your own music, and develop new styles.
We provide opportunities for your original music to be performed live by professional and emerging musicians, and encourage artistic collaborations with a diverse range of fellow creatives.
Collaborate with fellow creatives
Rushworth Young Composers and Songwriters
Craft your musical identity
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!
‘If you have an interest in composing and would like to take it further, this is the perfect opportunity. You’ll learn new skills in a creative and inspiring programme designed for young people with any level of experience.’
As the largest music employer in the city, Liverpool Philharmonic provides our Youth Company members with countless development opportunities and pathways into the music industry.
Work experience
You’ll have exclusive access to work experience placements within Liverpool Philharmonic. We can tailor a placement to focus on what you are most interested in, covering areas such as event management, performance, stage production and technical skills, music creation and music business. You’ll talk to professionals throughout the organisation about their roles, assist with day-to-day operations and visit an Orchestra rehearsal.
Visiting Artist Masterclasses
Every season, soloists from across the world perform with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra – and deliver inspiring masterclasses to Youth Company too. In these workshops, you’ll perform in front of professional artists, who’ll give expert advice on how to further develop your skills. Past masterclasses have been led by artists such as Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Tasmin Little, Timothy Chooi, Simone Lamsma, Danny Elfman (pictured above) and Jess Gillam.
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.
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 2026 will take place – bigger and better than ever – on Sunday 22 March at Philharmonic Hall, so save the date!
Auditions What to Expect
Our auditions are friendly, accessible and relaxed, supporting you to deliver your best performance, whether you have done an audition before or not. We want to get to know you, so auditions will give you the chance to talk about your musical experience so far and your goals for the future.
We will share all necessary excerpts, repertoire and information with you well ahead of your audition, so you have plenty of time to prepare. If you require any additional support for auditions, just let us know on your application.
Auditions are short and relaxed and mostly will require you to perform repertoire and/or excerpts as a soloist to a small panel.
If you are auditioning for Youth Choir, there will be a piano accompanist at the audition to play along with you. You will also be asked to complete a short aural test (matching pitch, testing your range and melodic dictation), as well as a short and simple sightreading exercise.
If you are auditioning for Youth Session Band you will perform in a group audition, playing alongside members of the Youth Session Band rhythm section in a relaxed rehearsal environment.
If you're looking to join Training Choir, you'll need to take an entry assessment. This will consist of singing a piece of music of your own choice, accompanied by the audition piano accompanist,
or unaccompanied. The piece should be something that you're comfortable singing, and showcases the best of your voice. We recommend selecting a piece from choral, classical, world, folk or musical theatre genres. You will also be asked to sing back pitches and short melodies, and to complete a very short and simple sight-reading exercise. Sight singing abilities are not necessary for Training Choir - the panel just want to gauge whether you can sight sing or not.
Panels will consist of up to three people, often including the Artistic Director or Principal Conductor of the ensemble and the Youth Company Manager. You may also meet musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, choral tutors and freelance session musicians.
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra £230 per year
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Academy Orchestra £230 per year
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Session Band £230 per year
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Brass Band £230 per year
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir £200 per year
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Training Orchestra
per year
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Training Choir £180 per year
Liverpool Philharmonic Children’s Choir £150 per year
Liverpool Philharmonic Melody Makers £120 per year
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. Youth Company offers full and partial bursaries for members, covering a range of personal circumstances. Anyone can apply for a bursary when joining Youth Company, and more details can be found on our website.
Additional discounts available include:
• Sibling discounts: 25% reduction for second child and any additional siblings
• Multi-ensemble discounts: 25% reduction for each additional ensemble
• Mid-year joining discount
Payment methods
Membership fees can be paid:
• Annually: Pay your full yearly fee upfront upon acceptance into Youth Company
• Monthly: Recurring payment each month for a 10-month period
Eligibility
Do I need to be able to read music?
The ability to read music is necessary for all ensembles EXCEPT Melody Makers and Children’s Choir (although being able to read music would be beneficial in these choirs too). Talk to us if you’d like support with learning to read music.
Do I need to have lessons on my instrument/voice?
We do recommend that all Youth Company members, excluding Melody
Makers and Children’s Choir, take regular instrumental/vocal lessons alongside their participation in our ensembles.
Do I need to have taken graded exams on my instrument/voice to be considered for Youth Company?
No – we only ask for an approximate grade to ensure that we place you in the ensemble that is perfect for you.
