2026-27 Fellowship PROGRAM
Applications Now Open
Deadline AUGUST 30, 2026
About the program
The FSO Fellowship Program seeks to increase diversity within the orchestral field by providing meaningful performance, mentorship, and career development opportunities for talented emerging musicians from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Open to string players currently enrolled in higher education programs or recent graduates, the Fellowship is designed to support artistic growth while helping participants build successful professional careers.
This one-year program emphasizes artistic excellence, immersive mentorship, professional development, community engagement, and orchestral performance experience. Fellows perform alongside FSO musicians, participate in educational and outreach activities, and gain valuable insight into the artistic and professional expectations of a modern orchestra career.
By the conclusion of the season, Fellows will have developed a broad range of experiences, skills, and professional connections to help support their future success. Fellows may also be invited to continue in the program for a second year based on their artistic growth.
FELLOWSHIP BENEFITS
Paid rehearsal and performance opportunities with the FSO during its concert season at George Mason University Center for the Arts (Fairfax, VA) and Capital One Hall (Tysons, VA)
Personalized coaching and mentorship from FSO musicians
Master Classes with visiting soloists
Participation in mock auditions
Educational outreach with Title I Schools, gaining experience as teacher/performers
Chamber music and solo recital performance opportunities
ELIGIBILITY
The Fellowship is open to students in, or recent graduates from, undergraduate, master’s, doctorate, or artist diploma degrees performance in violin, viola, cello or double bass. Applications are encouraged from candidates with the following backgrounds: African American, Hispanic/Latino and Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or other U.S. Pacific Islander, Indian American, or any other background that is historically underrepresented in symphony orchestras today.
application process
Preliminary Round Video Submission
The preliminary round will be conducted by video submission. Applicants should record and submit the following requirements as three separate videos and provide links to a publicly accessible, non-password-protected platform such as YouTube or Vimeo.
1. An excerpt from a concerto movement with a maximum duration of 5 minutes.
Please include details of the piece you are playing in the file name or description. If your excerpt does not start with the beginning of the movement then please indicate where in the piece you are beginning.
2. A complete movement from a suite by Bach.
3. Prepared orchestral audition excerpts
APPLICATION DEADLINE
August 30, 2026 at 11:59pm
Please complete the online application, where you will be prompted to share your resume and audition videos. Applications are considered on a rolling basis, and you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
SECOND ROUND - Live Auditions
Based on the preliminary round, selected applicants will be invited to a live final audition on September 9, 2026.
Invited candidates should prepare one movement of a concerto; the same repertoire submitted for the preliminary round may be used. Final-round orchestral excerpts will be selected from the Preliminary Round excerpt list as well as repertoire from the FSO's 2026/27 season. Excerpts will be provided to invited candidates following notification of advancement to the final round.
Applications will be reviewed after the submission deadline, and candidates will be notified whether they have advanced to the final round. Audition times and final-round excerpt materials will be distributed to all invited candidates at the same time.
QUESTIONS?
For questions about the FSO Fellowship Program, email Olivia Hinebaugh, Manager of Artistic
& Education Programs, at olivia@fairfaxsymphony.org.
Fairfax Symphony Education Programs are made possible in part by
