HAMILTON, ON – The HPO is thrilled to announce that registration to audition for the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra 21-22 Season is now open to musicians age 24 and under in Hamilton and surrounding communities. The 21-22 HPYO Season begins online October 2 with bi-weekly virtual sessions with HPO faculty. January 2022 will mark the return to live rehearsals at McMaster University with concerts planned in March and May.  

“The HPYO provides a unique opportunity for young musicians to learn from and engage with HPO musicians. We are greatly looking forward to the return of in-person instruction and live concerts in the new year. This programming will continue providing young musicians with an immersive and rewarding experience,” said Kim Varian, HPO Executive Director. 

Within the HPYO, youth may audition for the Concert Orchestra, which provides a supportive environment for students in the earlier stages of their music education, or the Philharmonic Orchestra, which is designed for more experienced musicians with past orchestral or ensemble experience. There is no minimum age or grade level required to audition or participate in the HPYO.  

Auditions will be conducted through recorded video performances of repertoire of the applicant’s choice and provided music excerpts. The final day to submit audition videos is Friday, September 17. HPO faculty will review audition videos to determine orchestra placement and seating for live sessions. HPYO applicants who wish to participate online when programming returns to in-person will be invited to submit their audition this coming December.  

The HPO is working closely with McMaster University to develop a comprehensive health and safety plan ahead of our return to live HPYO sessions in January 2022. 

 

Important Dates 

Audition registration opens
Friday, August 6

Audition videos due
Friday, September 17 

First online session of 21-22 Season
Saturday, October 2

First in-person full orchestra rehearsal
Saturday, January 8, 2022 

 

Twitter: @H_P_O
Instagram: @HamiltonPhilharmonic
Facebook: facebook.com/HamiltonPhilharmonic/
YouTube: youtube.com/HamiltonPhilharmonic 

About the HPO: The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1884 as The Hamilton Orchestral Society and grew to become one of Canada’s major professional orchestras. Today, the HPO is a leader in Hamilton’s robust arts community where it provides professional orchestral services and music education programs to address the needs of the community. The HPO continues to commission and premiere works and is one of the artistic jewels of the Hamilton area. The combined musical talents of its artists continue to enrich the community and enhance the quality of life for its residents. 

About the HPYO: Founded by Glenn Mallory in 1965, the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra is the foremost student-based symphony orchestra in the Greater Hamilton Region, offering a place for young musicians to develop their orchestral skills. Youth orchestra musicians regularly represent more than 20 schools throughout the Greater Hamilton region, and there are more than 2,000 alumni in a wide range of professions. Graduates of the orchestra are involved in professional and community orchestras across Canada, in the United States and in Europe, including two current members of the HPO. The HPYO is the flagship education program of the HPO, following the merging of the two organizations in July of 2021. 

Media Contacts: 

Christina Volpini
Marketing and Communications Manager
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
905.526.1677 x226
cvolpini@hpo.org 

Megan Nourse
Communications and Outreach Assistant
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
905.526.1677 x211
mnourse@hpo.org