THE ORCHESTRA SAN ANTONIO FELLOWSHIP

The Orchestra San Antonio is proud to offer the TOSA Fellowship, an exciting new program for students to experience a full immersion of orchestral music. This fellowship is an unparalleled opportunity for young instrumentalists seeking to delve deeper into orchestral performance alongside a professional orchestra. The program embodies our belief that music-making is not a solitary pursuit––it is a collaborative and transformative experience. Selected students will perform in specific productions alongside TOSA members, and will receive private lessons and masterclasses throughout the fellowship. The fellowship is open to all Bexar County students aged 16 to 24.

The TOSA Fellowship is committed to nurturing local talent and fostering a vibrant arts community in San Antonio. By providing young musicians with real-world performance experience and professional mentorship, we are building a foundation for the next generation of artists, educators, and leaders in the music industry. This fellowship supports the growth of skilled talent within our city, opening doors to future employment and educational opportunities, while enhancing San Antonio’s cultural landscape.

Production Information

Selected fellows are expected to attend all of the following rehearsals and performances as part of the fellowship:

  • Friday, April 11, 2025
    10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Orchestra Read #1 - Radius Center
    2:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Orchestra Read #2 - Radius Center
  • Saturday, April 12, 2025
    7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Sitzprobe (First rehearsal with singers) - H-E-B Performance Hall, Tobin Center
  • Monday, April 14, 2025
    7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: First Orchestra Dress Rehearsal - H-E-B Performance Hall, Tobin Center
  • Tuesday, April 15, 2025
    7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Final Orchestra Dress Rehearsal - H-E-B Performance Hall, Tobin Center
  • Thursday, April 17, 2025
    7:30 PM: Opening Night Performance - H-E-B Performance Hall, Tobin Center
  • Saturday, April 19, 2025
    7:30 PM: Closing Night Performance - H-E-B Performance Hall, Tobin Center

The scheduling of private lessons and masterclasses will be finalized closer at a later date. Participants are expected to organize their daily commute to and from the venues. No additional travel or housing stipend will be provided.

Program Overview
  • Perform in rehearsals and live shows of OPERA San Antonio’s Madame Butterfly alongside TOSA.
  • Receive masterclasses and private lessons focused on enhancing their individual artistry and understanding of operatic accompaniment.
  • Collaborate in a supportive, professional environment that emphasizes the importance of ensemble cohesion and the unique demands of operatic repertoire.
Why Should You Apply?

The 2025 TOSA Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to perform alongside seasoned musicians in OPERA San Antonio’s Madame Butterfly, conducted by OPERA San Antonio Music Director, Francesco Milioto. This immersive experience provides hands-on-training, mentorship, and the chance to refine technical skills while deepening your understanding of ensemble work and musical storytelling. The TOSA Fellowship is free to apply.

Who Should Attend?

The fellowship is designed for passionate and dedicated instrumentalists aged 16 to 24 who live in Bexar County. Ideal candidates are those with a strong music foundation, a desire to perform professionally, and a commitment to expanding their orchestral skills within the context of an operatic production. This year’s fellowship is open to 2 violinists, 2 violists, 1 cellist, and 1 bassist.

Highlights from our 2023 TOSA Fellowship

Last year’s TOSA Fellowship was an inspiring success, with six YOSA students performing alongside experienced professionals at the OPERA San Antonio production of Hansel & Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck.

Impact

The TOSA Fellowship is committed to nurturing local talent and fostering a vibrant arts community in San Antonio. By providing young musicians with real-world performance experience and professional mentorship, we are building a foundation for the next generation of artists, educators, and leaders in the music industry. This fellowship supports the growth of skilled talent within our city, opening doors to future employment and educational opportunities, while enhancing San Antonio’s cultural landscape.

Recording
APPLICATION RECORDING

Instructions
Please upload your audition video as an unlisted video on YouTube. This ensures that only those with the link can view your video, keeping your submission private while still accessible to our review panel. Once your video is uploaded, copy the video link and paste it into the designated field in the application form. Please make sure the link works and allows us to view the video without restrictions. Combine your audition videos so that you are uploading one single video file.

Guidelines:

  • The participant must be visible on screen at all times during the recording.
  • Each excerpt must be recorded in a single, continuous take. You may cut between excerpts.
  • Ensure your video has clear audio and visuals so we can accurately assess your performance.
  • Record in a quiet space with minimal background noise.
  • Verify the link by opening it in an incognito or private browser tab before submitting.

Note: If the video link is inaccessible or does not meet the specified guidelines, your application will be automatically discarded.

If you encounter any issues or have questions about the submission process, please contact Wayne Ching at wching@cmi-sa.org

APPLY NOW

Eligibility
  • Bexar County residents, aged 16 to 24. This opportunity is designed for high school, college, and master’s music students who wish to deepen their performance abilities in a collaborative setting.
Benefits
  • $500 Stipend (to support their participation and commitment to the program)
  • Masterclass with a TOSA Artist
  • Private lesson with a TOSA Artist
Application Timeline
  • Applications Open: January 24, 2025
  • Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
  • Acceptance Notifications: March 21, 2025
Application Requirements
  • Video recording of the audition excerpts from Madame Butterfly AND one 3-5 minute unaccompanied solo of applicant’s choice.
    Your solo does not have to be a complete work or movement (example: first movement exposition of Mendelssohn Violin Concerto).
    *Please combine your audition videos so that you are uploading one single video file.
  • High resolution profile photo
  • Short biography (100 words maximum)
Violin excerptsViola excerptsCELLO & Bass excerpts

Classical Music Institute is an equal opportunity organization and does not allow discrimination based upon age, ethnicity, ancestry, gender, national origin, disability, race, size, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or any other status prohibited by applicable law.

Apply now