Audition Policy

• ​Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and positions for Odyssey projects are determined through past involvement, most recent audition and confirmed availability.

• We continue to welcome auditions and suitable candidates to join Odyssey throughout the season. Please see below for further details and deadlines.

• Although Odyssey continues to welcome applicants from abroad, we are unable to provide any accommodation or travel stipends beyond the modest £100 honorarium.

• Current Odyssey members are often invited to play without submitting another audition. However, past involvement with Odyssey does not guarantee selection.  

• If you have already played with Odyssey, please be aware that new members are auditioning for each course.

• We encourage you to re-audition if you would like to be considered for a principal position or front desk.

Audition Process

You can audition or re-audition throughout the year using the audition form above. Re-auditioning is optional. ​If you have not taken part in an Odyssey concert before and would like to be considered, please submit an audition by 5 pm, two months before each concert date.

​Concert Dates and Deadlines:

• Tuesday, 22nd September, 2026 – Berg/R. Strauss (Deadline: 5pm, 22nd July)

​Please scroll down for more details on rehearsal times.

We will inform you shortly after the deadline if you have been successful. Seating for each project is flexible. If you do not secure a place because the project is over-subscribed, you may be added to the pool of reserve players to be considered for the future. Please submit your audition via the Google form below.

​Audition Requirements

• Audition form: A short paragraph detailing musical and performance experience, plus your current study or working status.

• Audition form: Video of two contrasting solo works (or extracts) on your main instrument - maximum five minutes.

• Availability form: Availability for the upcoming concert.

​The panel will include Peter Ash and a specialist on your instrument. If you play a doubling instrument, please include that in your recorded performance.

​Confirmed Availability 

You will be asked to confirm your availability for each forthcoming concert. Your availability will influence your invitation to join Odyssey. Depending on the repertoire, rehearsals are scheduled during the two or three weekends before the concert week. Our detailed rehearsal schedule is at the bottom of this page.

​Further Details

Instructions on how to submit your audition video are in the audition video submission form which can also be found here.

You will need to submit your audition video by recording your pieces, uploading the video to YouTube as an unlisted video and providing us with the link. 

We recommend filming in landscape, rather than portrait, as this works better with YouTube’s format. Extremely resonant acoustics are best avoided, and it is best to record in a well-lit place. Please do not worry if you cannot access professional recording equipment. A standard smart phone or tablet will be sufficient, and the panel will make allowances for discrepancies in recording quality between applicants.

If you have any additional questions please email auditions@odysseymusic.org.

You can find information about how we store and process your data in our privacy policy.

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR AUDITION!