Jerwood Pit Perfect Programme 2026

Wednesday 21st January 2026

Glyndebourne’s development programme for young professional instrumentalists - *APPLY BY Friday 27 February 2026*

Dear Colleague,

Pit Perfect is our programme where young recently graduated professional instrumentalists join the Glyndebourne Sinfonia, gaining their first professional operatic experience. 

The players participate on an equal footing with other members of the Orchestraand are paid for their participation. We offer places to selected instrumentalists each year depending on our repertoire and which positions are available.

The Programme, now entering its eighth year, extends Glyndebourne’s cornerstone commitment to nurturing young talent from all backgrounds.

Pit Perfect is designed to offer newly graduated players real-world professional work experience over a concentrated period by putting them straight in at the deep end - the fastest way to learn!The Programme has proved hugely beneficial to 75 participants in eight years, and we are now inviting applications for Pit Perfect in 2026.

Instrumentalists eligible to apply in 2026 for Pit Perfect for four string positions are: Violin (2), Viola (1), Cello (1).

Players selected will join our productions of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville this autumn and be fully paid for their work. In order to be eligible to apply, applicants essentially must have graduated in 2025 or be graduating in 2026.

We would be delighted if you could spread the word to your students/colleagues. We are not distributing printed material, so we would be most grateful if you would be kind enough to forward this email to any students/colleagues who may be eligible to apply. Links to details of the Programme can be found HERE.

The application deadline for applying to Pit Perfect is Friday 27 February 2026

If any of you would have further questions about the scheme, please do feel free to email me: pit.perfect@glyndebourne.com

This programme is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Jerwood Foundation and a number of other generous donors.

Glyndebourne is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a Registered Charity. We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to being open and inclusive and ensuring our organisation is representative of the communities that we serve.

With very best wishes,

Jonathan

Jonathan Tunnell - Manager

The Glyndebourne Sinfonia

Glyndebourne Productions Ltd

Tel: 07973 408 385

www.glyndebourne.com