Please note: this callout has now closed.

We’re launching a national callout for D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent professional-level musicians to join Paraorchestra.

As part of our growing ensemble, you’ll take part in some truly groundbreaking live performances throughout the UK and internationally, whilst also having access to Modulate, our new Artist Development programme.

Click here for an audio-described version of the callout film.

 

Who we are

We are the world’s first ensemble of disabled and non-disabled musicians. Founded by conductor and Artistic Director, Charles Hazlewood, in 2012, Paraorchestra creates exceptional music experiences for audiences everywhere.

Based in Bristol, UK, we collaborate with an array of brilliant artists and organisations to create ground-breaking, inclusive work, touring nationally and internationally.

We are not a traditional symphony orchestra. Our musicians lie at the heart of the creative process, and our raison d’etre is to increase quantity and quality of opportunities available to D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent musicians.

 

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for musicians and vocalists of all genres, disciplines, and backgrounds. Whether you’re into classical or jazz, folk or experimental electronic music, classically-trained or self-taught – we want to hear from you.

We want to meet intrepid, adventurous musicians who share our vision for creating truly breathtaking musical experiences in a live setting.

You do not need to have had professional training or qualifications to apply but you must be able to play, sing, or perform to a professional level. More on what we mean by ‘professional level’ can be found in our FAQ.

 

Criteria

In order to apply, you must meet these basic criteria:

  • Be 18 years old or over – there is no upper age limit
  • Identify as D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent
  • Perform music to a professional level
  • Be a resident in the UK
  • Be available to attend an audition in February 2024

We welcome applications from any instrument, however, there are six specific instrument types – clarinet, horn, tuba, viola, voice and classical piano – where we are currently at capacity within the ensemble. It is therefore extremely unlikely we will be able to take on new performers in these disciplines – although please do apply if you feel strong we should know about you!

Please note: we are not accepting applications from composers or arrangers this year, unless they perform with an instrument to a professional level too. 

 

How to apply

We’ve made the process of applying as simple as possible: all applicants are asked to complete a short application either in written or video format, along with links and any other supporting evidence of their music-making.

Click here to fill out the application form to join Paraorchestra.

You will also need to complete an equality monitoring form to be submitted via the form along with your application.

 

What happens after you apply

After the closing date, we’ll review each application individually, and invite those we’re interested in meeting to auditions in Bristol taking place across Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 February, hosted by our Artistic Director, Charles Hazlewood, our Associate Music Director, Lloyd Coleman and other members of the Paraorchestra team.

If you are invited to audition you will be paid for your time and reimbursed for any travel expenses incurred.

If it feels like a good fit from both sides, you will be invited to join our ensemble of musicians. All of our projects are very different and not every musician will take part in each project. You will be invited to take part in performances on a project by project basis, our schedule varies year-to-year as we undertake new projects, so we cannot provide a guaranteed number of working days each year with the ensemble.

However, we hope that you will be as excited as we are at the prospect of playing main stages at the likes of Glastonbury and WOMAD, appearing on television and radio, touring nationally and internationally and inspiring audiences with the power of music-making. Visit our FAQs for more on how we work with our musicians.

 

Key Dates

Applications open on Monday 6 November 2023
Applications close on Monday 8 January 2024 at 10am
Auditions for shortlisted applicants will be held in Bristol on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 February 2024.

 

More information and FAQs

All the information you need to know about the application process, what we are looking for, and what we can offer you, can be found in our Paraorchestra Musician Callout Information Pack. If you still have more questions, please visit the Musicians Callout FAQs section on our website.

We look forward to hearing from you.

 

Downloads

Paraorchestra Musician Callout Information Pack:

Musician Callout Information Pack (Word)

Musician Callout Information Pack (PDF)

Guidance for Applying via Video:

Guidance for applying via video (Word)

Guidance for applying via video (PDF)

Diversity and Equality Monitoring form:

Paraorchestra Equality Monitoring Form (Word)

If you require the information in any other format or support with the application process please contact us on artistdevelopment@paraorchestra.com and put the word ACCESS in the subject heading.

 

A note of thanks

Our work is made possible through the support of our core funders: Arts Council England, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, The Linbury Trust, The Mark Leonard Trust, The Garfield Weston Foundation, and the Nando and Elsa Peretti Foundation