The North Carolina Symphony announces the audition dates for the NCS Youth Sinfonietta.

Auditions for the exclusive chamber orchestra, made up of 14- to 19-year-olds from across the state and led by the symphony's staff of conductors, will be held Wednesday, Sept. 28, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Auditions take place in Meymandi Concert Hall, Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., in Raleigh.

Applications to audition can be downloaded now on the Youth Sinfonietta page at www.ncsymphony.org/ education.

Twice each year, members of the NCS Youth Sinfonietta (formerly the Young All-Stars Orchestra) come together for a week of intensive coaching with North Carolina Symphony musicians and rehearsals with North Carolina Symphony conductors.

Making friends and having fun along the way, the experience culminates in a public performance of challenging classical repertoire, held in Raleigh.

"An amazing experience," said Alex Moll, 17, of Greenville, a cellist and ensemble member a year ago, following his first week in the orchestra. "Playing in the orchestra has completely changed how I look at and appreciate the process of preparing orchestral music at this high level. Although Maestro [Grant] Llewellyn is very demanding, he helps us to bring out our very best."

Applicants must be between ages 14 and 19; North Carolina residents or students enrolled in a North Carolina school; and available for all rehearsals and performances during the winter and spring. Applications should be postmarked or emailed by Friday, Sept. 23.

For additional information, visit www.ncsymphony.org/education or contact Jessica Nalbone, North Carolina Symphony Director of Education, at (919) 789-5461 or jnalbone@ncsymphony.org.

The NCS Youth Sinfonietta is offered in partnership with the Triangle's Philharmonic Association.