Christmas Concerts
For singers aged 9–13
The annual Glyndebourne Christmas Concerts are a highlight of the festive season. The 36 strong Glyndebourne Youth Opera choir is integral to these concerts, providing invaluable performance experience in a professional environment for the young people involved. Glyndebourne promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and actively encourages applications from those whose backgrounds are currently underrepresented in the world of opera.
Application and audition process
Applications are now open for auditions for Glyndebourne Youth Opera (GYO) members aged 9–13 to take part in the 2026 Glyndebourne Christmas Concerts, as part of our Autumn Season 2026. This is a wonderful opportunity for talented young performers to be part of a major event in the Glyndebourne calendar.
To be eligible to audition, your child must:
- Be aged 9–13 on the date of their audition.
- Live within a 25-mile radius of Glyndebourne.
- Be able to attend all rehearsals and performances listed in the provided schedule.
- Be a current member of GYO1 and have participated in a GYO workshop, taster day, or production within the last two years. Please note that participation in One Voice or attending a Performance for Schools does not qualify as GYO activity.
If your child has been cast in Spark they are not eligible to audition for the Christmas Concerts.
You must be available for all dates listed in the schedule below, absences will not be granted – please do not apply to audition if you are not available on any of the rehearsal or performance dates.
These will be group auditions. No prior preparation is required; applicants will learn some music and sing in groups and have a small moment of solo singing with the Music Director of GYO. There will be up to six workshops across two days at Glyndebourne – your child only needs to attend one workshop on either Saturday 2 May or Sunday 3 May
Workshops will be held in 1.5 hours slots:
- Workshop 1 10.30am – 12.00pm
- Workshop 2 12.30pm – 2.00pm
- Workshop 3 2.30pm – 4.00pm
Parents can bring their children to Glyndebourne by car, or chaperoned buses will be available between Lewes train station and Glyndebourne if required.
Applications to audition close on Monday 6 April 2026, at 11.59pm.
We strive to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. If there are ways we can support individuals to participate in the application and auditions process please get in touch with us at takepart@glyndebourne.com.
Glyndebourne’s Learning & Engagement programme is made possible thanks to Arts Council England and generous donations through Glyndebourne’s New Generation Programme.
