AUDITIONS NOW OPEN FOR 2026 

Join Us

BCO is a tiered orchestra, with professional principals often playing side-by-side with talented volunteers. We’re on the search for great musicians with something to offer the orchestra and the Brixton community. We are particularly interested in hearing from players originally from or based in and around Lambeth.

Professionals

BCO performs live orchestral music in Brixton and South London, presenting it to new audiences in unexpected locations from football pitches to housing estates. We revel in innovative collaborations, performing a wide range of genres from Grime to Gospel, Disco to Drum and Bass, Classical, Jazz, and everything in between. 

Our Orchestra is mostly made up of young professionals, occasionally joined by talented youth players and amateurs for larger projects. We are looking to expand our pool of professional players.

Our work is rooted in the belief that orchestral music should reflect and serve the communities it exists within. As part of this mission, we are specifically looking to recruit talented young professionals and amateur musicians from or with a connection to Brixton, Lambeth and the surrounding areas of South London. 

What we offer

  • A young, innovative orchestra
  • Quality playing opportunities in less formal settings
  • Rates of £120+ per day
  • Chance to play non-classical music in a group which can groove

Criteria
  • Living in London 
  • Versatile musician, comfortable working across a wide range of genres
  • We are especially looking to add string players, trombonists, bassoon and baritone sax doublers, and percussionists to our lists.
 

Applications

Please email your CV alongside a short explanation of why you’d like to play with BCO to orchestra@brixchamber.com

Deadline for applications: Mon 10th November 2025.

We will let you know whether you’ve been shortlisted for an audition. 

If shortlisted, you will need to prepare both a classical piece and non-classical piece. You will also be sent excerpts to prepare in advance and will be given a piece of sight reading in the audition.

Audition Dates: 24 November 4-8pm and 26 November 5-8pm 2025 in Brixton.

Amateur

BCO performs live orchestral music in Brixton and South London, presenting it to new audiences in unexpected locations from football pitches to housing estates. We revel in innovative collaborations, performing a wide range of genres from Grime to Gospel, Disco to Drum and Bass, Classical to Jazz, and everything in between. 
Our orchestra is mostly made up of young professionals, but for larger projects we need excellent amateur instrumentalists to join us. Could this be you?
Our work is rooted in the belief that orchestral music should reflect and serve the communities it exists within. As part of this mission, we are specifically looking to recruit talented musicians from or with a connection to Brixton, Lambeth and the surrounding areas in South London. 
What we offer
  • Project-based playing opportunities, typically consisting of a few rehearsals in the lead up to large scale public performances. 
  • An innovative orchestra and varied playing opportunities in unusual venues, from grime in a warehouse to opera in a park, and symphonies in a football pitch.
  • The opportunity to perform alongside professionals to a high standard
  • Money towards expenses 

Criteria
  • Connection to Brixton or South London
  • Play an orchestral instrument, with the ability to read music
  • Performing at Grade 7+ standard (no need to have taken graded exams)

Applications

To apply for an audition, please email orchestra@brixchamber.com by the 10th November, telling us about your playing experience and why you’d like to play with Brixton Chamber Orchestra. 

We will get in touch to let you know whether or not you’ve been shortlisted for an audition. If shortlisted, you will need to prepare a classical piece, and a non-classical piece. You will also be given a short piece of sight reading. 

Audition Dates: 4-8pm on 24th and 26th November 2025 in Brixton.

Students

If you’re at college or university and you're interested in playing with BCO, consider applying to BCO Academy!
Of course you could also audition to play as a regular volunteer.

Audition info

Auditions are informal and always in Brixton. 
There is a panel which consists of the Music Director, a principal player and a trustee.
You will be asked to bring a piece of solo classical music, to play unaccompanied..
We will also set orchestral excerpts and you will be asked to attempt some sight reading.
All auditionees will have the option to present a second piece in any style or genre which may strengthen their application.