Jerwood Pit Perfect
Glyndebourne’s development scheme for young professional instrumentalists.
The players participate on an equal footing with regular players in the orchestra and are paid for their participation. We offer places to selected instrumentalists each year depending on our repertoire and which positions are available. The programme, now entering its eighth year, extends Glyndebourne’s cornerstone commitment to nurturing young talent from all backgrounds. No other programme in the country offers newly graduated players real-world professional work experience over a concentrated period by putting them straight in at the deep end – the fastest way to learn.
‘It’s so unique that you are put into a full professional orchestra and company where you can learn from experienced musicians and future colleagues without even having to ask the questions – just by watching them in action and picking up knowledge on the go’ – Yuliya Ostapchuk, violin, 2023
‘ … I am reflecting on how fortunate I feel to have been a part of Pit Perfect this year. To have played a small part in Glyndebourne’s Autumn Season was a total joy…’ – Hannah Scarborough, cello, 2024
Each year Glyndebourne offers postgraduate instrumentalists the opportunity for paid engagement with the Glyndebourne Sinfonia for a concentrated period during each Autumn season from late September until the beginning of November.
Successful applicants join the Glyndebourne Sinfonia for at least one of the Autumn productions.
Participants in the programme are mentored by a member of the orchestra and receive further opportunities including one to one lessons and the chance to sit in on extra rehearsals/performances. They also participate in seminars on life in the music profession.
Each year there is an extended programme of paid chamber music performances in which Pit Perfect players are also involved.
A good number of former Pit Perfect players have gone on to receive ongoing professional work with the Glyndebourne Sinfonia.
If you have any enquiries, please email: pit.perfect@glyndebourne.com
Established in 1977 for John Jerwood MC (1918-1991) by Alan Grieve CBE, Jerwood Foundation is a UK charity committed to supporting excellence and emerging talent in the arts in the UK. Alan Grieve is now Chairman Emeritus, Rupert Tyler having been appointed as Chairman in 2023. The organisation is led by Lara Wardle, Executive Director and Trustee. To date Jerwood Foundation has committed over £112 million to support the arts in the UK. To find out more visit jerwood.org
Image credits: Header, Pit Perfect 2024, photo by Pablo Strong