Side-By-Side
‘Side by side has been such an amazing experience – allowing me to play alongside professional musicians, enjoy performing amazing repertoire and learn so much along the way.
Having one to one lessons on the music with an OPO appointed player has been really helpful as well. I would highly recommend this programme to anyone!’
Alice Bolton, Side-by-Side cello
Sit Side-by-Side with the Oxford PhilHarmonic
About Side-by-Side
The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra’s Side-by-Side programme gives emerging orchestral musicians the opportunity to gain professional experience performing in three concerts throughout the season.
Students will receive coaching from OPO’s world-class players in dedicated sectionals, be invited to sit in on OPO rehearsals and perform the opening work of the programme alongside the orchestra in three main season concerts. Sectionals and rehearsals take place on the day of performance in Oxford.
There are 12 places available in total: 1 flute, 1 oboe, 1 clarinet, 1 bassoon, 1 horn, 1 trumpet, 1 trombone, 2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello, 1 bass.
Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled full or part-time at an institution of higher education in the UK on any course of study.
Applicants must be resident in the UK for the duration of the programme (November 2026 – April 2027).
Applicants must be aged 18 or over and born on or after 1 May 2000.
Applicants must ensure that they are available to play on all three concert dates.
2026-2027 dates & repertoire:
- Carwithen ODTAA Overture
5 November 2026 - Beethoven The Creatures of Prometheus Overture, Op. 43
5 February 2027 - Sibelius Finlandia
22 April 2027
‘The first violins were so warm and encouraging, making me feel very much at home. This was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my term!’
Joel Hoe, Side-by-Side violin I
How to Apply
Blind Audition Process
- To apply for the OPO Side-by-Side programme please complete the application form at the bottom of this page. The application form includes 2 video and audio submissions, details of performance experience and a statement of interest.
NB: No personal identifying information will be shared with the audition panel. - Please ensure that the writing in Part 2 of your application is anonymised as this will be shared with the audition panel.
- Provide both video and audio-only links to two recordings:
- Accompanied performance: 3-5 minutes in length. This recording must have been made in the last 6 months.
- All excerpts in the order given and recorded in one take. Excerpts can be accessed here.
- The audio-only links will be used for the blind audition process. Administrators will use the video to validate that it is the same performance in both the video and audio submissions.
Please ensure that all video and audio links are submitted as links to a YouTube upload, are accessible by the panel (e.g., ‘unlisted’ rather than ‘private’) and are fully anonymised (including the name of your YouTube channel). Full guidelines for video and audio submissions can be accessed here.
Application deadline: 9am on Friday 16 October 2026.