National Symphony Youth Orchestra, NSYO
Since beginning his term as Music Director of the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) in January 2022, Jun Märkl has drawn experience from international youth music initiatives and incorporated the merits of young musicians training systems from various countries and orchestras to establish a National Symphony Youth Orchestra (NSYO) tailored to the characteristics of Taiwan.
During winter and summer vacations each year, the NSYO recruits exceptional young musicians from Taiwan and abroad to participate in intensive training courses and rehearsals. The orchestra also invites internationally renowned musicians to join the NSYO on tour and in concert. The NSYO is formed for the first time in July 2023, with Music Director Jun Märkl as conductor.
NSYO shall serve as a cultural ambassador for Taiwan, focusing on Taiwan but also looking to the world. It is our aim to solidify Taiwan's place in the global network of classical music, and to open up future possibilities for young musicians in Taiwan to explore the international music scene.
2026 NSYO Winter Application
Dates
February 1 to 10, 2026; including rehearsals and concert tour around Taiwan. Rehearsal dates will adjust based on the member’s condition.
Concert Venues
Miaobei Art Center (Miaoli), Tainan Cultural Center (Tainan), National Singang Senior High School of Arts (Chiayi), and Taipei Performing Arts Center (Taipei).
Conductor: Shao-Chia Lü
Piano: Alexander Kobrin
Concert Repertoire
Yuan-Chen Li: Upstream
Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No.3
Antonín Dvořák: Symphony No.9 in E minor, Op.95, From the New World
Eligibility
Date of birth from January 1, 2001 to January 1, 2014
Instruments
Violin, Viola, Cello, Double bass
Flute & Piccolo, Oboe & Englsih-horn, Clarinet & B-flat clarinet*, Bassoon
Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba
Percussion & Timpani
*Optional Interument
Application
- Due by 17:00 on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
- Fill out the online application form completely.
- Application fee: NT$500; will receive email for the transfer information within two working days after completion of the application form and should be down within three working days.
- Applicants under 18 years old by October 15, 2025, must submit a letter of consent from their guardian. (Please see attachment below)
Auditions
- Applicants must prepare a 5-minute excerpt from a solo piece or concerto, with or without piano accompaniment, and orchestra repertoire excerpts.
- On-site auditions will be held on October 25 and 26 in Taipei, November 9 in Kaohsiung. The auditions schedule will be announced after the application deadline. Those who cannot attend an on-site audition may submit a video recording for their audition.
- Video audition: recordings must be one continuous take; no editing is allowed. First, perform the required repertoire excerpts, followed by a five-minute self-chosen piece excerpt. Both sections must be recorded in full. Please state your name and instrument at the start of the recording. Upload your completed recording to YouTube, set visibility to "Unlisted", and send the link to nsyo@mail.npac-ntch.org before October 31, 2025. You may submit the application form first.
Audition Results
To be announced on November 18, 2025. Selected applicants will be notified by November 20, 2025.
Tuition fee
NT$25,000 (includes tuition fee, accommodation, three meals daily, and transportation during rehearsals period and concert tour)
Grant Aid and Scholarship
A grant can be specially provided by NSO to those in need. The application instructions will be provided separately to the selected applicants.