Famous pieces or magnificent symphonies – in the hands of VÄGUS the music always is performed with the unmistakable desire and energy that has become their special characteristic. The musicians are between the ages of 14 and 23, and for many, VÄGUS becomes a memory for life.
Each spring and autumn term, the orchestra gathers for a couple of weekends for intensive rehearsals together with conductor Andreas Hanson. The days are filled with fun and community and with our help we have instructors from the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. When the weekend is over, you are guaranteed longing for next time! Every semester, VÄGUS goes on tour and gives concerts for both adults and children.
Andreas Hanson works with the Norwegian Conductors’ Program, “Dirigentløftet” in Norway, is a teacher in orchestra conducting at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, and frequently guest conducts with symphony orchestras and opera houses in Scandinavia. He has also been the music director of the Royal Swedish Navy Band.
Cecilia Hilmerby
Producent cecilia.hilmerby@gso.se
Andreas Hanson
Conductor
Important dates 2026-2027
Are you a participant in VÄGUS, or a teacher of students taking part? Here are the key dates for the season:
Autumn Project 2026
Repertoire
- Ethel Smyth: On the Cliffs of Cornwall
- Doreen Carwithen: Suffolk Suite
- Edward Elgar: Enigma Variations
Dates
- Introductory meeting for new members and repertoire overview: Friday 22 May
- Preparatory sectional rehearsal (First Violin, Second Violin, Viola and Cello/Double Bass): Monday 24 August, 17.30–20.30
- Rehearsal weekend 1: Friday 11 September – Sunday 13 September
- Rehearsal weekend 2: Friday 25 September – Sunday 27 September
- Tour dates: Monday 28 September – Tuesday 29 September, including a concert at Gothenburg Concert Hall
Winter Project 2027
Repertoire
- Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 1
Dates
- Preparatory sectional rehearsal (First Violin, Second Violin, Viola and Cello/Double Bass): Tuesday 1 December, 17.30–20.30
- Rehearsal weekend 1: Friday 8 January – Sunday 10 January
- Rehearsal weekend 2: Friday 22 January – Sunday 24 January
- Tour dates: Monday 25 January – Tuesday 26 January, including a concert at Gothenburg Concert Hall
Expression of interest and auditions
When musicians move on to other opportunities, new talents get the chance to experience life in VÄGUS – with rehearsals, residential weekends and touring across the region. Being part of a symphony orchestra with 80 of the finest young musicians in Västra Götaland is an experience like no other.
Taking part in VÄGUS requires strong commitment, personal responsibility and genuine interest. You are expected to practise regularly on your own. You should be aged 14–23 and have reached a solid level in your musical development, with the ambition to take your playing to the next level. Before auditioning, we recommend that you attend one of our concerts.
Auditions – Autumn 2026
Submit your video by 11 October. You will receive notification by 29 October.
- Upload a video online and include the link in this form.
- The video should be 5–7 minutes long and include a piece or pieces from your current repertoire that demonstrate contrast in both tempo and character.
- Accompaniment is not required.
- Please include a short spoken introduction of the pieces you will perform.
- Make sure the video does not require login details and is not mirrored.
Auditions – Winter 2027
Submit your video by 7 February. You will receive notification by 5 March.
- Upload a video online and include the link in this form.
- The video should be 5–7 minutes long and include a piece or pieces from your current repertoire that demonstrate contrast in both tempo and character.
- Accompaniment is not required.
- Please include a short spoken introduction of the pieces you will perform.
- Make sure the video does not require login details and is not mirrored.
Develop your musicality with us
Musicians from Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, professional educators and singers inspire you in the Concert Hall - guaranteed energy injections for children and youth where you get to know even more people who love music.
