Course dates, locations and fees for 2026/27 Choir activities for 2026/27 This choir meets for four standalone projects each year which normally fall on weekends or during university holidays. Here's an overview of the schedule for the 2026/27 season: Project 1: Residential Discovery Weekend4-6 September 2026 in Birmingham A chance for the 2026/27 cohort of singers to meet up all together for the first time, get to know each other and start preparing music for the year ahead Project 2: Carols at the Royal Albert Hallrehearsals 18-19 December, with performances on 19-24 December 2026 An opportunity to perform with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to a sold-out audience at the Royal Albert Hall All singers must attend all rehearsals, then groups of singers will be selected for each performance based on their availability. Each singer is expected to take part in at least 2 of the 15 performances Project 3: Spring Residential Course6-`10 April 2027 in Reading Project 4: Summer Residential Course18-27 July 2027 in Lancashire What's the commitment? Members of National Youth Choir (18-25 Years) are expected to commit to attend every project within the choir's planned activities. In exceptional circumstances, singers may join the choir for the 2026/27 year even if they are not able to attend every project - these decisions are considered on a case-by-case basis and should be discussed directly with the National Youth Choir team. Members of National Youth Choir (18-25 Years) will be asked to re-audition every two years in order to retain their place in the choir. Will it cost me anything? No one should be prevented from joining National Youth Choir because of financial barriers. All National Youth Choir (18-25 Years) activities are subsidised by the fundraising we do as a charity, but we still need some additional financial input from singers in order to deliver our annual programme of events. Financial Assistance is available to all members and is offered on a sliding scale based on eligibility Financial Assistance can cover up to 100% of participation costs as well as provide additional support with things like travel expenses Around 45% of singers receive financial assistance to take part in National Youth Choir (18-25 Years) Financial Assistance is available to all members and is offered on a sliding scale based on eligibility. Financial Assistance can cover up to 100% of participation costs as well as provide additional support with things like travel expenses FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE How much does it cost? The fee for 2026/27 choir activities is £2,675. There is a £99 new joiners fee for those joining the National Youth Choir for the first time. Singers pay the fee in 4 instalments across the year, with payments in July 2026, October 2026, January 2027 and April 2027. For residential activities (Projects 1, 3 and 4), accommodation and meals are included in the annual fee, but members organise and pay for their travel to and from the event. For 'Carols at the Royal Albert Hall' (Project 2), members organise and pay for their own travel, accommodation and meals. The annual programme is divided into several training and performance projects. Once you have been accepted into the programme, we expect you to commit to all projects in the annual programme. Payments for the annual programme areNOT per project. Payments for the annual programme are divided across the year into easier instalments. Payments will not be refundable. We advise you to take out insurance in case of being obliged to miss a project through illness or other unexpected reason, as for any other booked trip or holiday. All participation costs, including the annual fee, membership fee and additional expenses can be supported through Financial Assistance. Manage Cookie Preferences