Incheon Youth Symphony Orchestra opens auditions for up to 30 new members

Incheon is seeking young musical talent to lead the next generation of classical performance, launching a recruitment drive for the city's municipal youth symphony orchestra.

The Incheon Arts Center announced Thursday that it will hold open auditions for up to 30 non-resident members to join the Incheon Municipal Youth Symphony Orchestra for 2027.

Auditions will be held across 13 instrument categories spanning strings, winds and percussion. The orchestra is recruiting players of violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, bass trombone, tuba and percussion. Applicants who can also play piccolo, English horn, bass clarinet or contrabassoon will receive preferential consideration.

Eligible applicants must be between 13 and 24 years old as of Jan. 1, 2027 — that is, born between Jan. 1, 2003, and Dec. 31, 2014.

Applicants registered as Incheon residents before the announcement date will receive a 5 percent bonus added to their total score.

Applications will be accepted only by email at iypo2026@gmail.com from Dec. 9 through 6 p.m. on Dec. 15. In-person and postal submissions will not be accepted.

The selection process consists of two rounds: a first-round unaccompanied performance evaluation — covering both a free-choice piece and a set piece — followed by a second-round interview.

The interview will assess candidates on basic aptitude, diligence and interpersonal skills. Final results will be announced Jan. 5, 2027, on the Incheon Arts Center website.

Selected members will receive a rehearsal activity stipend along with professional coaching from active members of the Incheon Philharmonic Orchestra, concerto audition opportunities and a range of other benefits designed to build practical performance skills.

Full recruitment guidelines are available on the Incheon Arts Center website.