Q. When is my application due?
A. Applications for our 2025 Esker Festival Orchestra and Choir are also currently open. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.

Q. Will late applications be accepted?
A. In exceptional circumstances we will be happy to accept late applications.

Q. What are the age requirements?
A. Members of the orchestra must be 18 years of age or older on the on the 1st day of the project. The Choir is open to singers of all ages.

Q. Is there a minimum standard or education requirement to apply?
A. No, all motivated and talented musicians are encouraged to apply!

Q. What should I include in my video recording? 
A. The choice of repertoire in the video is entirely up to you. Accompanied or unaccompanied solo repertoire or orchestral excerpts are all perfectly acceptable. We suggest you chose a piece that you feel comfortable with and that demonstrates your strengths as a performer. Something as simple as a video recording from your smart phone is entirely acceptable. Please feel free to include more than one recording. 

Q. My video recording is large, how should I upload it?
A. The easiest way is to upload your video to youtube and set it to unlisted. Then you just have to send the link and only we will be able to view it. Services like Google Drive, Dropbox or WeTransfer also work well.

Q. What costs are involved?
A. As this year’s festival will consist of two parts, with the option to participate in either or both parts, the participation fees are as follows:
August 15th to 18th: 'The Creation' Joseph Haydn's Magnum Opus: Cost - €250
August 19th to 24th: 'Transfigurations' Orchestral Masterworks: - Cost - €350. 
The cost to participate in both parts is €400.
The cost to participate in the choir is €100.
There is no application fee.

Q. Are there scholarships available?
A. There will be a small number of scholarships available for essential section leaders to reflect the extra responsibilities they may have to take on. These positions will be offered based on the strength of your application and cannot be applied for or petitioned for separately.

Q. When will the application results be posted?
A. Application results will normally be posted section by section, as soon as possible after the application deadline. If for any reason you need a result sooner, let us know and we will do our best to facilitate you.

Q. Once the results of the applications are posted how can I confirm my place?
A. In order to confirm your place you must transfer the relevant registration fee and return the signed membership agreement before the specified date.

Q. Are there any extra requirements or important information for international musicians?
A. All correspondence and rehearsals will take place in English and any relevant travel visas must be organised by the musicians themselves.

Q. What accommodation is provided during the residency and tour?
A. During the rehearsal residency musicians will be staying in in either single or double rooms in shared apartments a short walk from the rehearsal venue. We can also help members organise extra accommodation before or after the festival at their own cost.

Q. What meals are provided?
A. This year we will only be providing meals on concert days. For meals, members  are encouraged to make use of the accommodation's fully functional kitchens or to experience Galway City's renowned restaurants and markets.

Q. What transport is provided?
A. All transport from the rehearsal residency to the concert venues is provided. Members will have to arrange their own transport to the the rehearsal residency and home after the final concert. The nearest airport to Galway is Shannon Airport but excellent bus transfers are available up to every 30 minutes to and from Dublin Airport.

Q. Can I bring a car?
A. Yes. Having a car can be very helpful and useful during the rehearsal residency and tour, but unfortunately we are unable to provide reimbursement for any related costs. We are also happy to help to arrange car sharing which can help to reduce transport costs.

Q. I sent an email some time ago but have not yet received a response. What is up with that??
A. The Esker Festival Orchestra is a voluntarily run project, organised by musicians for musicians. As such we are not professional administrators and can sometimes fall behind or accidentally miss an email. If you need a response from us please contact us again and we will do our best to answer as quickly as possibly.