Age:
13 – 17
(approx. guide only)
Playing standard:
Grade 7 – 8 standard and above
2025 Residency dates:
Spring: 13 – 17 April
Summer: 14 – 22 August
Our Camerata Orchestra tackles professional-level repertoire, with one programme per year carefully chosen to include much loved classics as well as lesser-known gems.
The sections of the orchestra are kept small so players get individual attention and guidance from our exceptional tutors and conductors; some of the UK’s best players and educators.
Previous repertoire includes:
- Elgar – Serenade for Strings
- Grieg – Holberg Suite
- Neilsen – Little Suite for Strings
- Arutiunian – Sinfonietta
- Trimble – Suite for Strings
Performances:
- Spring workshop
- Summer concert at Stamford School
Join us now!
A day in the life…
Camerata members spend much of their day playing in a variety of settings; full rehearsals, sectionals, chamber groups and private practice are all part of the timetable. Kodály Musicianship, Dalcroze sessions and choir provide opportunities for the players to use their voices and move their bodies to study repertoire and musical concepts away from instruments. These help to develop crucial skills for the performing musician. We also offer cello and bass ensemble and viola club, as well as social activities organised by our pastoral team.
Boarding
NYSO residencies take place at Stamford school, with each of our orchestras staying in boarding houses with Pastoral teams to care for and support each group. Camerata shares a boarding house with the Senior orchestra, and players sleep in rooms of 2 beds.
There is plenty to do in spare time and evenings. Our accommodation has common rooms with games, pool tables and table tennis, and our pastoral team also organises quizzes and games which are hotly contested!
Playing: Full Orchestra, Sectionals, Mini orchestras & more
In full orchestra sessions, every player has the opportunity to contribute fully. By rotating seating and solos, we work on shared musical ideas, encouraging the players to work as a team and listen as active chamber musicians. We split into sectional rehearsals to work closely with coaches on instrument-specific challenges, and into ‘mini-orchestras’ where players can experience the repertoire in smaller chamber groups. ‘Viola club’ is an exciting opportunity for all violinists to experience the viola in collaboration with the viola section, and in the ‘cello & bass ensemble’ our lower strings work together discovering more chamber music.
Dalcroze
In Dalcroze sessions we learn and experience music through movement. In Camerata this work is based firmly on the programme the orchestra is performing. Understanding how the parts fit together in this way is hugely beneficial as there is so much more to playing in ensembles than simply being able to play your own notes. We also address overarching musical concepts such as how to engage an audience.
Kodaly
Kodály’s approach develops musicianship through singing. It is a huge advantage to the Camerata musicians to have time to study the whole score of the pieces they are playing in full orchestra. As well as learning the different parts, they have a chance to study elements connected to the repertoire in a practical way. The importance of using the voice is that it automatically engages our inner hearing which is extremely important for the performing string player.