The 2026 auditions will be held in LONDON and MANCHESTER. Applications are invited from solo pianists, instrumental duos and small chamber ensembles of outstanding ability to audition for Kirckman Concerts. We aim to offer at least one recital to each artist or group at a major London venue, as well as concerts at major UK festivals and music clubs. We also invite successful applicants to come forward with their own imaginative projects for which we may be able to provide funds. These projects must be detailed and carefully costed, and we emphasise that we will only consider ideas from applicants already selected at audition on account of their outstanding performing ability. There is no recital fee for our London own-promotions, but collaborations with festivals and music clubs are fee-paying.
Candidates may apply more than once. Those who have been unsuccessful at their first live audition are welcome to apply a second time, but should consider carefully when they choose to do so, as they are unlikely to be offered a third audition.
Sunday 8 February 2026 at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester Sunday 15 February 2026 at the Royal Academy of Music, London
Please read carefully through the following information before you start preparing your application to make sure you meet all the requirements and submit a complete application in the correct way.
If you have any queries, please contact us by email. Please bear in mind that we are a small organisation and do not have a full-time office, so there may on some occasions be a small delay in replying.
Closing date
For the 2025 auditions, the closing date for receipt of applications will be 4:00pm on Monday 1 December 2025.
Applications which arrive after 4:00pm on Monday 1 December cannot be considered - this includes all application forms, CVs and references.
Eligibility
Only those who have permission to live and perform in the UK for at least three years may apply.
We consider applications from solo pianists, instrumental duos and small ensembles. At present we regret that we cannot offer auditions to singers.
Age limit
- Solo pianists and Duos: the age limit is 30 by the time of any recital offered. Any recital is likely to take place during the season following the audition - following a successful audition in February 2026, a recital date offered would generally be during the 2026/27 season. A date is offered in accordance with each artist's availability.
- Ensembles of 3 or more: we will accept an average age of 30 by the time of any recital offered.
Application procedure
- One member of each duo or ensemble must be responsible for co-ordinating and submitting by email the duo's or ensemble's application. We will not accept applications submitted piecemeal by individual members.
A complete application will consist of:
1. a completed application form for either the Manchester auditions or the London auditions for each person applying
On the application form itself, please provide a link to one or more live unedited video recordings (concert or studio). This will ideally last about 15 minutes, though you may send longer videos if you wish. You are advised to include works of at least two contrasting styles. Promoters are increasingly interested in programming new music, and also works by hitherto neglected female composers. You are encouraged to consider this when putting together your video.
NB Sound quality is important!
2. one short biography for a solo application or one short biography for an ensemble of 2 or more members.
3. one reference for a solo application or one reference for an ensemble of 2 or more members.
In addition, please ask your referee to complete this reference form and send it direct to us by email.
Membership of duos / small ensembles
Please note that we expect the membership of any duos and small ensembles which are successful at audition to be the same for any subsequent recital offered.
Correspondence
Applications should be submitted by email only to applications@kirckman.org.uk
The audition
Auditionees are requested to present a 15-minute programme of contrasting styles and periods.
You may perform individual movements of longer works.
You do not need to notify us about your audition programme beforehand.
A warm-up room is available 20 minutes before the audition.