Applications for 2026-27 are now open, visit the job page here for more information. Deadline for applications is Sunday 16 August.
The BSO’s Young Associates programme is open to young people (aged 18-30) who are based in the South West and come from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in the arts. It will immerse you in the world of community music leadership through hands-on training and mentorship with our diverse network of BSO Associate Musicians and Music Leaders.
Working part-time with the BSO for eight months, this biennial programme involves bursary support as they gain vocational experience, access specialist training and mentoring, and join a growing network of emerging music leaders.
BSO Participate Music Leader network
After finishing the Young Associates programme, there is the opportunity to become part of the Participate Music Leader network which includes alumni from the Young Associates programme. As a member of this collective there is an annual paid Get Together Day with peers and there is the option to apply annually for paid patches of work on BSO Participate projects.
The Young Associates programme is created to support those currently underrepresented in the arts. We are not presenting a fixed set of criteria, and instead ask applicants to self-identify their eligibility in this area. Eligible criteria may include, but are not limited to, underrepresented gender, racial, ethnic or socio-economic backgrounds, rural isolation and may also include neurodiversity and Disability.
The BSO is an equal opportunities and disability confident employer. Challenging barriers to high-quality music for all, the BSO is committed to improving equality, diversity and inclusion in classical music, in our workforce and leadership.