As part of its charitable outreach work, the orchestra offers the chance for young players to attend the first rehearsal for upcoming concerts and to play through the full programme.
This is a great opportunity to experience playing in a large orchestra, with the orchestra's inspirational conductor Simon Wright.
The musicians in each section will be very welcoming and helpful, and you won't be expected to play every note!


Applications will, in due course, be invited for young players of Grade 8 standard to attend the first rehearsal for the orchestra's concert on the 10th of May 2026 and to play through the full programme.
This will be a great opportunity to experience playing in a large orchestra with the orchestra's conductor Simon Wright and gain an understanding of the rehearsal process and the discipline required.
The invitations will be coordinated by the York Music Hub. Revisit this page nearer the time for more details on how to apply.
Date:
To be confirmed, but likely to be 21st April 2026
Time:
7:15pm for a 7:30pm start, until 10:00pm.
Place:
To be confirmed, but likely to be Archbishop Holgate's School, Hull Road, York YO10 5ZA.
Music:
Weber - Overture to Der Freischütz
Bruch - Violin Concerto No.1
Verdi - Overture to La forza del destino
Britten - Sea Interludes and Passacaglia from Peter Grimes
Ravel - La Valse
An application for will be made available in due course
Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit in some sections (wind and brass). We will try to rotate places to give everyone who applies a chance to attend the first rehearsal in the course of our concert season. Clarinettists will require a clarinet in A. Please bring a music stand.
Students who are under 16 will need to be brought to the rehearsal and collected again by an adult. There is a large car park at the school. Please bring your child no earlier than 7:15pm, and please arrive to collect them by 9:50pm.
We will confirm by email that a place has been allocated. The orchestra reserve the right to select those players to whom a place will be offered. No correspondence will be entered into in respect of the allocation process.
Players who attend this rehearsal will be entitled to a complimentary ticket for the concert on 10th of May 2026.