Faq

Here: ONJ Rules & Conditions

We hold a new selection process for each project. Once applications are open, you can fill in the application form and upload at least two videos, and you will be notified in due time whether you have been selected, placed on the reserve list, or rejected.

There are usually two ONJ projects per year: one in April and one in July.

One week full of intensive rehearsals, workshops and social events, followed by at least one concert. You will work together closely with our young and energetic conductor, you will be coached by the best musicians from the professional orchestras from in and around Luxembourg, and make a lot of new friends. Hard work and fun are guaranteed!

Yes! You can add yourself to our general mailing list of interested musicians by entering your data here.

We are the orchestra in residence at the Mierscher Theater: 53, rue Grande-Duchesse Charlotte L-7520 Mersch (Luxembourg)

30 years. However, you are welcome to apply even if you are older than that – we occasionally need reinforcements, and will get in touch with you in that case.

Yes, you are more than welcome! The ONJ provides accommodation for non-resident musicians and reimburses travel costs up to a certain limit, as long as the tickets have been booked quickly and in agreement with the organization team.

The minimum age for non-resident musicians that need accommodation is 18 years.

In general, string players should have at least accomplished a “2e Prix” and wind and percussion players should have at least accomplished a “1er Prix” (in the Luxembourgish education system).

For non-resident musicians, anyone currently studying or having completed a Bachelor of Music or Master of Music can apply.

No, participation is free.

Yes, but only up to a certain limit (usually around 250€) per person and under the condition that the tickets have been booked quickly and in agreement with the organization team.

You can find the details in our Rules and Conditions.

We provide accommodation for our non-resident musicians. This could be either in a youth hostel or in a boarding house. You can travel to the concert hall by public transport, which is free for all in Luxembourg.

Yes, but only if they are residents in Luxembourg and don’t need accommodation.

The dress code is usually full black.

Yes! You can indicate this in the application form.

If so, you will need to upload a total of 3 videos (instead of the usual 2).

Please note that this is not a paid position.

No, don’t worry! Please feel free to use videos you have already, and it’s completely okay if it was taken with your phone.

It’s also up to you if you play solo or with accompagnement.

If you want to include a chamber music video, we recommend adding it as an (optional for tutti applications) 3rd video.

The selection for the ONJ projects takes into account the following criteria:

• Musical level
• Resident / non-resident of Luxembourg (priority for residents)
• Proximity to Luxembourg (the closer the better, for environmental and financial reasons)

English!

You will hear a lot of other languages as well, but understanding and speaking English is necessary for the rehearsals.

Yes! There is now an option to apply for a live audition, which will take place in Luxembourg, a few weeks after the application deadline. The exact date, time and place will be communicated on the website, as well as via email to all invited candidates.

Advantage: Musicians selected through a live audition will have a 2-year ONJ membership, meaning that they are automatically eligible for 4 projects over the course of 2 years, without having to audition again. Invitations to individual projects are not guaranteed and will depend on the needs of each project.

The programme to be played for a live audition is identical to the one of a video audition:

2-3 pieces of different styles (at least 2 min each), one from the classical period if possible – this can be discussed if necessary.

You can play solo or with accompaniment. ONJ does not provide an accompanist.

You will be notified in the days following the application deadline whether you are invited to the live audition. If you are a young musician residing in Luxembourg, this is almost guaranteed.

Since there are usually around 2 weeks between the application deadline and the live audition, you will know approximately one week before. The date will be visible on the website beforehand (in 2026: weekend of 12-13 December), so please make sure that you are free on that/those day(s).

When applying for a live audition, you do not need to send any video with your application. However, since the audition takes place in the few weeks following the application deadline, please make sure that you have your audition programme ready already.

If you are not invited for a live audition, you will still have the opportunity to send videos to complete your application (even after the application deadline).

Send an email to our project managers Anne-Catherine Feltgen and Jerry Gaudront, they will be happy to help you: musicians@onj.lu