Applications close soon, 31 October, for Orkney Singers in the National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCOS).

There are 100% bursaries, including amounts to cover travel, if there is a need. Auditions can be online, and can also be pre-recorded, so there is no barrier to being involved.

So far there have been no applications from Orkney for the 2026 courses.

Click on this link for an application : National Choirs Application.

Young Orkney singers are missing out which has puzzled Christopher Bell, NYCOS Artistic Director, as the information was sent out to schools and community groups.

NYCOS was formed in 1996 and 2026 is the 30th Anniversary year with celebrations planned throughout 2026-2027. Members of the national choirs will be part of that celebration and that can include singers from Orkney.

Although applications are closing on 31st October, they may accept applications after that.

Christopher Bell said:

“We know Orkney is a land of song! NYCOS ran a Regional Choir in Orkney some years ago which ultimately didn’t get the numbers we needed because there was actually really strong singing in the local school choirs.

“Our choir was supported by local hero Glenys Hughes, founder director of the St Magnus Festival Chorus, and Alasdair Nicolson, Director of the St Magnus Festival so we were all disappointed that we could not continue the choir, but it was for the most amazing reason – there is great singing at a local level.

“So we want to encourage some singers to join Scotland’s National Choir and sing for Scotland on the national and international stage.”

In joining a NYCOS national choir, singers get the chance to tour Scotland and Internationally, to perform at the Edinburgh International Festival and occasionally the BBC Proms in London.

It’s an exciting prospect for Scotland’s young singers:

• Boys Choir runs from age 10-17
• Girls Choir from 12 – 17
• NYCOS from 16-25.

Click on this link for National Choirs Application.