Overture is a unique opportunity for musicians aged 18*–26 from underrepresented backgrounds to learn with members of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London, in collaboration with Black Lives in Music (BLiM) and the National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO).
If you are selected, you will be partnered with a musician from the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House (OROH), who will mentor you throughout the 2026/27 Season (between September 2026 and July 2027). A personalised experience will be created for each individual.
*Overture is not suitable for those who are aged 18 and still in full-time education/Sixth Form during the 2026/27 academic year.
Who can apply
We welcome applications from young people from throughout the UK who identify as being from the global majority background or from another underrepresented group, who play the following instruments:
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Flute
- Oboe
- Clarinet
- Trumpet
- Tenor Trombone
- Bass Trombone
- Tuba
- Harp
A personalised experience
Each participant will have a personalised experience, tailored to their individual needs. This will include:
- Induction day and 'meet and greet' with artists of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
- Access to a private rehearsal and a backstage tour of the Royal Opera House
- Support from a mentor, including six lessons with a focus on preparing excerpts from opera and ballet music
- Opportunities to watch rehearsals
- Side-by-side sessions, playing alongside members of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, with a focus on opera and ballet repertory
- Ticket to a dress rehearsal (usually only available to members of the Royal Ballet and Opera)
- A mock audition to help with future applications
- External pastoral support from BLiM and the National Open Youth Orchestra
- Reimbursement for travel and meal expenses
Schedule
The programme will run between September 2026 and July 2027. Key dates include:
29 September 2026 or 2 October 2026 | 14 April 2027 | Spring 2027 | 30 June, 8 July or 9 July 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
Meet & Greet, backstage tour, watching a pit rehearsal | Ballet side-by-side rehearsal | Opera side-by-side rehearsal | Mock auditions |
Your place on the mentorship programme is conditional on confirmation that you meet the selection criteria. We embrace and celebrate the different contributions that everyone brings to our organisation; we encourage applicants to fill in all sections of the application form to help us have an accurate understanding of you and your skills.
Overture is generously supported by The Karin Brass Memorial Fund.