The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has announced two new initiatives aimed at providing opportunities for early-career musicians: the MSO Academy, and a new partnership with the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM).

The MSO Academy is designed to give young musicians a bridge to a professional career, with successful applicants to receive a stipend, perform with the orchestra, take part in chamber music projects and receive mentoring from MSO musicians.

A pilot program will take place from May to October 2022, with a full academy program getting underway in 2023. Expressions of interest for the pilot program are open until 25 March, with auditions for 2023 to be held later this year.

“We have already received interest from all over Australia and across the ditch in New Zealand,” said Director of Programming John Nolan. “This confirms just how vital the MSO Academy program will be for the MSO and the sector more broadly. There is clearly a huge appetite from emerging musicians to join industry-leading development programs.”

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chief Conductor Jaime Martín

“The MSO Academy program will be essential in assuring a bright future for our...