Auditions
Join ICSO
Details for prospective applicants about auditions to join the orchestra, concerto auditions, and ICSO's social scene.
ICSO Auditions
ICSO is a fully auditioned orchestra. Audition slots are 9 minutes long. 5 minutes are for your own-choice piece (unaccompanied), and the rest is for some sight-reading and a small discussion with the audition panel. Sign up for an audition at the start of the academic year, see our audition FAQs below, and check out our Instagram for the latest updates.
How do I sign up for an audition?
Check out our Instagram page for the sign-up form (to be released soon), and come find us at the Welcome Fair.
What grade should I be?
There is no required grade to join. The average standard of members is around Grade 8, and amongst us are several ex-members of the National Youth Orchestra, as well as graduates of the junior conservatoires.
But don't be put off - anyone is welcome to audition!
When are auditions held?
Auditions for 2026 will run in the first two weeks of the academic year.
Who will be on the audition panel?
Auditions are held jointly with Imperial College Sinfonietta, so the conductors and committee chairs for both IC Sinfonietta and ICSO will be present. Section leaders may also be present for some auditions.
Will I be able to warm up beforehand?
Yes. Arrive 10-15 minutes before your audition to warm up on your instrument. A practice room will be provided. To book more time in a practice room, contact the Blyth Centre as soon as possible.
Will there be an accompanist?
No. We ask everybody to audition without accompaniment to keep auditions fair for those who don't have an accompanist. Your piece does not have to originally be written as an unaccompanied work.
How long should my own-choice piece be?
Around 5 minutes long. The piece can be an excerpt from a larger work, if you wish. Just make sure it shows off what you can do!
When will I hear the outcome?
For 2026, in the second week of term. Entry into ICSO can be incredibly competitive, so don't worry if you don't get in the first time: you can try again later in the year if a spot opens, or at the start of the following year.
I'm not an Imperial student. Can I still audition?
Yes. We welcome external students to audition and get involved too.
I have another question...
Feel free to come and ask us any other questions that you might have at ICSO's stall at the Welcome Fair at the start of the academic year.
If there's anything else we can help with, please contact us.
Also, consider coming to ICSO's Open Rehearsal on the first Wednesday of term, offering you a relaxed taster of ICSO rehearsals. This open rehearsal is non-auditioned, so anyone can come; there will be snacks for you too!
ICSO in the Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall, Royal College of Music (November 2025)
Kaelyn Soh (violin) & ICSO performing Korngold's Violin Concerto
ICSO in Cadogan Hall (March 2025)
Bendit Chan (piano) & ICSO performing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3
Concerto Performances
ICSO and IC Sinfonietta provide opportunities for those keen to be considered for a concerto performance, typically with one concerto soloist joining each orchestra per term. Concerto performances with other Imperial music ensembles may be arranged, but on a case-by-case basis.
Concerto auditions are held once a year in the Spring Term for performance in the following academic year. You will be asked to play for a total of 10-15 minutes across all movements of the concerto. Unlike the regular auditions to play in the orchestra, an accompanist will be provided for the concerto auditions (but you may bring your own if you wish).
Please get in touch if you'd like to learn more about concerto auditions.
Socials
"Come to Union!"
Every week, some generous ICSO members volunteer to provide many treats for the mid-rehearsal break, almost always including hot drinks and biscuits.
ICSO has two elected social secretaries dedicated to making sure you have a great time outside of rehearsals too. The ICSO social scene can range from formal dinners, post-rehearsal trips to Beit Quad (home of the Imperial College Union), or post-concert socials across London. Some ICSO socials also include joining forces with Imperial's other musical ensembles, like a 2026 trip to Thorpe Park with members of IC Wind Band and IC Musical Theatre Society.