Audition Information

Virtuosi of Houston begins its 31st season in the fall of 2026.

Audition Dates

• Returning Members Only: May 30, 2026
• New & Returning Members:
  • August 29, 2026
  • August 30, 2026

Highlights

• Only youth chamber orchestra in Houston.
• Virtuosi of Houston Maestros select 40-55 musicians by audition each season.
• Artistic Directors and Conductors Andrzej Grabiec and Franz Anton Krager founded the orchestra in 1996. Under this two-conductor structure, more individual training is provided.
• A typical season includes three concerts in a prominent concert venue.
• Total of 30 rehearsals during the academic year/season.
• Rehearsals are held twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays from 6:45 to 9:30 pm, beginning five weeks prior to the concert date.
• Dinner is provided by the Virtuosi of Houston Team during rehearsals at break time.
• Rehearsal schedule is set so as not to conflict with other youth orchestras.
• Rehearsals are held in a state-of-the-art 5,000 square foot studio in Memorial City Mall.
• Concert programs are professionally designed and include a headshot and biography for each student member.
• An Annual Concerto Competition awards a monetary scholarship to competitors.
  • First-place winners are also invited to perform as soloists in the spring concert.
  • Scholarship funds can only be applied to music education expenses.
  • The Concerto Competition is open only to current Virtuosi of Houston musicians.

Virtuosi of Houston operates on the theory that absorbing instruction in an intense, short period produces an excellent end product. The student musicians also benefit from the joint direction of two conductors. While one maestro is conducting from the podium, the other circulates throughout the ensemble, tutoring individual players on the correct techniques of fingering, pitch, sound, and other good music practices. Each student benefits from their complementary direction, expertise, and knowledge.

Expectations

All Virtuosi of Houston members are expected to:

• Commit to attending all the rehearsals for the entire concert season. Three (3) unexcused absences may result in dismissal from the orchestra. In case of direct conflict with a school event, the school event will always take precedence. All absences must be emailed to the Virtuosi office by 2:00 pm the day of the absence.
• Individually practice their respective parts and come prepared to rehearsals to the best of their ability.
• Demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity with respect to one another, to the Artistic Directors, and to representatives of the management, the staff, volunteers, and the Board of Directors of the organization.

Virtuosi of Houston will provide:

• Many exciting musical experiences.
• An atmosphere of mutual respect and professionalism.
• Music Directors who will fully share their knowledge and expertise during rehearsals and concerts.
• An opportunity to meet other musicians from the Houston area and the possibility of becoming lifelong friends.

Audition Requirements

New members and returning Virtuosi of Houston orchestra members must audition.

• All applicants should be between 11 to 18 years of age as of September 2026.
• All applicants need to complete application form and pay a non-refundable audition fee.
• Applications and audition fee must be received at least 14 days prior to the preferred audition date. If the deadline for applications cannot be met, please call Ms. Karen Needham to be put on the schedule.
• The audition fee is $50. Returning members will receive a discount code at the end of the season.
• All auditions are held at the Virtuosi of Houston Studio in Memorial City Mall.

New Members

New members should prepare the following items (memorization is not required):

• Major and minor scales and arpeggios (3 octaves – string players; 2 octaves – wind players)
• One prepared solo or concert piece; piano accompaniment is not required
• Preparation of orchestral excerpts for your instrument. Please contact Virtuosi of Houston via email to request the excerpts: virtuosi@virtuosiofhouston.org

Returning Members

Returning members should prepare one solo or concert piece. Piano accompaniment is not required. Memorization is not required.

2026-27 Season Fee

The tuition fee for the 2026-27 season is $1,080 per student and is payable upon acceptance.

Students in need of financial assistance or payment arrangements should send a written request for tuition assistance via the financial aid form within 10 days of acceptance notice. The executive committee of the Virtuosi of Houston Board of Directors will rule on all applications for financial assistance in the month of October 2026.

Please note: All financial aid applications must include a copy of both sides of the first page of your 2025 federal income tax return, with your adjusted gross income information.

For additional information, please call Ms. Karen Needham at 832-797-6882.