University Residency
In 2002, the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra was appointed Orchestra in Residence at the University of Oxford in an agreement between the Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University and the Orchestra. This Residency offers training and performance opportunities to Oxford University students.
You can dowload the Residency Programme brochure 2019/20 here.
Orchestral Apprenticeship
(strings only)
Professional orchestral experience and training is available to string instrumentalists. Candidates selected will be invited to play in up to four concerts with the Orchestra and will receive coaching and an award of £100 per concert.
Tuition Opportunities
The OPO offers music students the opportunity to receive up to four instrumental lessons per term from the Soloists of the Oxford Philharmonic many of whom are professors in leading conservatoires. For more information please contact Beau Marshall at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Young Artists' Platform
An opportunity for an outstanding soloist or chamber ensemble to perform a short recital in the Sheldonian Theatre prior to an OPO evening concert. The scheme is available to full-time students of the University of Oxford and performers will receive an award of £100 for their recital. This season, the Young Artists’ Platforms are scheduled for the following dates:
Thursdays 6, 13 & 27 February 2020, Sheldonian Theatre, 18:30
Workshops and masterclasses
As part of our Residency Programme we present masterclasses and workshops by guest artists and Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra players, giving Oxford University students opportunities to receive expert guidance on performance from musicians working at the very highest level.
Oxfordshire Concerto Competition
This year sees the return of the Senior Competition, which allows young musicians to compete for the opportunity to perform a full concerto with the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra in the 2020/21 season and receive a cash prize of £1,000. The two runners-up will receive a cash prize of £250.
Composition Competition
The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra invites you to compose ‘A Hero’s Overture’ for the chance to hear your work performed in the Oxford Beethoven Festival 2020.
Composers’ Workshop (Orchestral)
The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra is proud to champion new music in these open workshops – a golden opportunity for student composers to hear their own works performed by a professional orchestra, and receive feedback. Of the compositions presented, one will be selected to be given its world premiere by the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra in the 2020/21 season.
For further information and to apply please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Composers' Workshop supported by the Michael Marks Charitable Trust
Side-by-Side
Our Side-by-Side scheme provides the opportunity for the most talented next generation of musicians from Oxfordshire to sit Side-by-Side with a professional player in the opening work of at least three of our Oxford season concerts. This is a unique opportunity for students to fulfil their potential by participating in an unparalleled performance experience reaching beyond what ordinary music education provides.
The University of Oxford logo is the registered trademark of the University of Oxford. The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra is licensed to use the mark in the branding of events in the United Kingdom. The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra is run by the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Trust. Neither the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra nor the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Trust are part of the University of Oxford.
