orchestras

The Verbier Festival Orchestra (VFO) has become a true rite of passage for exceptional young musicians. Since its founding in 2000, it has offered new generations of instrumentalists a unique immersion in professional orchestral life, working alongside some of the world’s most renowned conductors, soloists and orchestral musicians.

The VFO brings together nearly 100 musicians aged 18 to 28 for an intensive programme of rehearsals and concerts at the heart of the Verbier Festival. Mentored by musicians from leading international orchestras, they work under some of the world’s foremost conductors, gaining the experience, discipline and instincts essential to a career at the highest level.

Over the past 25 years, many VFO alumni have gone on to join the world’s leading orchestras, with several holding concertmaster and principal positions. They can be found in ensembles including the Berliner Philharmoniker, Wiener Philharmoniker, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony and Orchestre de Paris.

the vfo in brief

• Nearly 100 musicians aged 18 to 28, selected internationally
• An immersion in the demands of professional orchestral life, through an intensive programme of rehearsals and concerts
• Six concerts at the Verbier Festival 2027, under the direction of internationally renowned conductors
• Coaching by leading musicians from major international orchestras
• Major symphonic repertoire, rehearsed and performed on the stages of the Verbier Festival
• All training costs covered by the Verbier Festival
• Accommodation, lunches and dinners provided
• Contribution to travel expenses, depending on place of residence
• Working language: English

auditions

Candidates may choose between a live audition and a video audition. Both audition formats are assessed using the same criteria.

Live auditions will take place in Berlin, Geneva, London, New York, Paris, Vienna and Zurich. Harp and percussion are recruited exclusively via video audition.

coaches 2027

Throughout the programme, VFO musicians benefit from intensive coaching provided by musicians from some of the world’s leading orchestras.

code of ethics

The Verbier Festival is committed to providing a training and working environment based on respect, dignity, equality and safety for all. All participants are required to adhere to the principles of the Festival’s Code of Ethics, which prohibits all forms of violence, harassment and discrimination and encourages responsibility, collaboration and mutual respect.