The Irish Association of Youth Orchestras provides an exciting international opportunity for young musicians.

We are delighted to announce that applications are open for the Esker Festival Orchestra 2024 in Ireland.

The Esker Festival Orchestra 2024 summer rehearsals and Irish performance tour will take place from 12th – 18th August 2024. Rehearsals will take place in the picturesque University of Galway in Ireland and will see performances in Galway Cathedral and in the National Concert Hall, Dublin under the baton of founder and Director, Peter Joyce.

Esker Festival Orchestra is excited to announce its thrilling 2024 programme featuring performances of Gustav Holst’s The Planets, a newly commissioned piece and Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor with the incredible Irish soloist Zoë Nagle. Choir applications will open soon.

Applications are open to advanced musicians over the age of 18 to take part in this unique peer-led orchestra made up of Irish and international young professionals and advanced students. This year applications for all positions in the orchestra are being accepted.

Applications are open until 1st April 2024.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the orchestra you can apply by emailing eskerfestivalorchestra@gmail.com with a video recording of your playing, your CV or short biography and a scan of an ID for proof of age. Please remember that you must be over 18 to take part and that the number of places in the orchestra is limited. All rehearsals and concerts will take place from 12th – 18th August 2024 and all players must be available for all of the dates.