The Opera North Youth Chorus (ONYC) gives young people aged 16–20 the skills and experience to become well-rounded performers.

As well as developing their singing voices and musicianship skills with dedicated vocal leaders in weekly sessions, members work with professional directors and movement specialists to develop skills in drama and stagecraft.

The Youth Chorus explores music from a range of genres, performing in exciting concerts locally and nationally, often alongside the Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North and other professionals. Residential courses and tours are a regular part of the experience when they work with teams of experienced artists to stage full productions. Recent performances have included ‘Down in the Valley’ at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival, ‘Dr Ferret’s Bad Medicine Roadshow’ at the Buxton Fringe Festival, the Tête à Tête Festival in London and ‘Pirates Revisited’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Youth Chorus has devised several new works, working with established composers and librettists.

Entry is by audition. Singers joining the Youth Chorus may well have considerable experience vocally and dramatically and be comfortable in a staged setting, but we are looking for potential and welcome singers of all levels of experience and welcome all to apply.

We want to ensure that costs do not create a barrier to taking part and are able to offer financial assistance to those who wouldn’t be able to join without support. Please get in touch to see if you are eligible for a bursary place.

We welcome applications from young people aged 16 to 20. You might already be a confident singer and have experience of performing on stage, but we are looking for potential and welcome singers of all levels of experience to apply.