What we do Our Choirs National Youth Choir (18-25 Years) The National Youth Choir (18-25 Years), Discovery Weekend, September 2022. Photography: Helena Cooke Founded in 1983, the National Youth Choir (18-25 Years) is our flagship ensemble and recognised as one of the greatest youth choirs in the world. Each year prospective National Youth Choir (18-25 Years) members audition for the chance to participate in a unique and inspirational Annual Programme of training and performance projects. Current members of the choir re-audition annually to retain their place. What is it? The National Youth Choir (18-25 Years) is the flagship choir of the National Youth Choir and is home to some of the best young singers in the world aged 18-25. Who is it for? It is open to talented singers aged 18-25 and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds across the UK. We particularly encourage and support young people who are currently underrepresented in choral music, including young people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, disabled people and those from lower-income families. Eligibility Our choirs are age-specific; so for example those auditioning for the National Youth Choir in 2023/24 are aged 18 on 31st August 2023 to age 25 on 31st August 2024. Download Age Guidance Membership of National Youth Choir (18-25 Years) is open to British citizens and anyone who is a resident of the UK at the time of application (excluding non-domicile applicants). Commitment Members are expected to commit to all the National Youth Choir (18-25 Years) Annual Programme projects and must re-audition at the end of each year to participate in the next year’s Annual Programme. Any N/As (not available) will be considered on a case-by-case basis considering exceptional circumstances only. Check you can attend all the project dates by viewing the Annual Programme Guide below. When and where are auditions? Auditions for National Youth Choir (18-25 Years)'s Annual Programme happen annually and are next taking place in Spring 2024. Auditions will take place online via Zoom. Visit our Auditions pages for more information. When does the National Youth Choir (18-25 Years) meet The Annual Programme is a year-round schedule of projects unique to the National Youth Choir (18-25 Years). Whereas other National Youth Choir ensembles meet up to twice a year, National Youth Choir (18-25 Years) meets at least four times a year, opening up many more training and performance opportunities at the highest level. The programme runs from September-August. See below. What's on offer National Youth Choir (18-25 Years)'s Annual Programme offers a unique year-round training and performance programme including mentoring from a diverse range of world-class musicians and coaches, performance opportunities as part of major events and festivals, and extensive experience of developing and premiering new choral music in live performance and via digital media. How much does the Annual Programme cost? If you’re new to the National Youth Choir, you’ll need to pay a one-off Membership Fee of £90. We will send you instructions on how to pay this. The Annual Programme fee is payable in instalments across the year. Manage Cookie Preferences