THE ORCHESTRA The National Youth Orchestra is one of the world's finest youth orchestras which draws together each year over 150 talented musicians, aged between 13 and 19 years, from all over the UK. Each member of the orchestra has one thing in common - a passion and commitment to the study and performance of great music. In the words of former NYO musician, Mark Simpson, ‘Each course is enriching and life-enhancing – you experience things that you don’t in everyday life. It’s intense. The feel of each course differs, depending on what we play and who we’re playing with. It’s not just an orchestra that gives exciting and inspirational concerts, it is also an organisation which offers young musicians the chance to meet like-minded people, be taught by the best musicians in the profession and work with world-renowned conductors. It is simply one of the most important threads in the fabric of British musical life.’

THE COURSES
The orchestra meets during the school holidays at New Year, Easter and Summer for intensive two week periods of coaching and rehearsal with NYO Professors - leading professional musicians and teachers - and some of the world's finest conductors and soloists.

A rich variety of repertoire is explored, from romantic symphonies to world premieres of demanding contemporary works by living composers.

In addition to the main course repertoire, there are informal run-throughs of other works and many members of the orchestra get together to play chamber music on the courses. NYOers work hard, but they also have plenty of recreational time when many friendships are made.

THE CONCERTS
Each course culminates in concerts in prestigious concert halls such as Barbican Hall, London, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, St David's Hall, Cardiff and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

The NYO's annual appearance at the BBC Proms has become a tradition which attracts capacity audiences who enjoy the thrill of the NYO concert experience.

COMPOSERS CLASS
NYO members have always had the opportunity to benefit from composition lessons and to have their works performed on NYO courses. Now, there is a unique opportunity for composers to apply to the NYO to join the Composers Class which runs alongside orchestral rehearsals.

Composers who are not members of the orchestra can therefore benefit from the wonderfully creative atmosphere of NYO courses, working intensively under the guidance of the NYO's composer in residence. Musical ideas can be tried out and final performances are given NYO musicians. Budding composers who are members of the orchestra are also encouraged to develop their composition skills.

MASTERCLASSES AND CREATIVE PROJECTS
The NYO has introduced special masterclasses attracting world-class soloists to offer help and guidance to members of the orchestra. Creative projects which take place in the Summer provide the musicians with the opportunity of exploring improvisation techniques and music from other cultures. Each year almost 70 members of the Orchestra attend the creative projects, under the guidance of 11 specialised professors.

OPEN DAYS
NYO started holding Open Days in 1998 as a means of enabling young musicians to experience the fun of working with other musicians of the same age under the guidance of NYO's renowned Professors (tutors).

These days are aimed at musicians aged between 10 and 17, of grade 6 standard or above, although no exams need to have been taken. They are usually held in three locations per year. Since 1998, we have held Open Days in Hexham, Northampton, Nottingham, Winchester, Edinburgh, Bradford on Avon, Birmingham, Leeds, Launceston, Ipswich, Manchester, Bristol, Reading, London, Leicester and Kent.