The NYO Adventure

Being part of The National Youth Orchestra is the greatest adventure teenage musicians can have through orchestral music.

Find out more about our unique approach to accelerating teenager development through the elements of community spirit, taking on challenges, playing their part and sharing their voices.

Community spirit

The NYO adventure is about teenagers from across the UK, representing regions and different backgrounds, making music together.

It’s about community spirit, seeing the best in each other and wanting the best for each other. Everyone contributes to a safe, happy and optimistic community.

Our pastoral Support Team and world class tutors encourage musicians with their expertise and knowledge. When musicians engage in a workshop, rehearse together, create music or perform they have the generous support and trust of the whole NYO community.

Taking on challenges

The adventure is about taking on exceptional musical challenges, sharing a common purpose and working for collective success.

It’s about getting behind the greatest orchestral music of all time, from masterworks to the most cutting-edge new voices, and seeking energy and excitement in musical performance. It’s about trying things out, making music in new ways, and pioneering new presentation of music. And it’s about finding new destinations – new locations, new audiences, and mediums.

Playing their part

We all know that music education is not equally available to all young people across the UK. Our musicians take action to do something about this, taking music and experiences to other young people in concert halls, primary and secondary schools and youth centres.

On the adventure musicians discover they are powerful role models, who can encourage other young people’s musical curiosity and aspirations, and foster understanding, and wellbeing through music.

Sharing teenage voices

The adventure is fuelled by what matters to teenage musicians – the music they make, and the causes they back through the power of orchestral music.

They raise their voices to advocate for young people and their musical opportunities.

there has to be an easier way…..

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what does 1 beat-per-minute difference sound like? 👀🎻 #orchestra #viola

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what does 1 beat-per-minute difference sound like? 👀🎻 #orchestra #viola

What floating sounds like 🕊️ Composed by Pietro, a teenage musician who won a competition to have his piece played by the Orchestra. Pietro composed the piece to create a floating feeling through mysterious harmonies and rhythms 🔮

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What floating sounds like 🕊️ Composed by Pietro, a teenage musician who won a competition to have his piece played by the Orchestra. Pietro composed the piece to create a floating feeling through mysterious harmonies and rhythms 🔮

what could possibly go wrong? 👀

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Embark on an unforgettable Voyage with The National Youth Orchestra and conductor, Tianyi Lu. 🌀🎵🪐

Hans Zimmer 💫 Interstellar Suite
Julia Wolfe 🎶 Pretty
Tchaikovsky 🎻 Symphony No. 5

Bold, boundary-pushing and full of feeling. Experience it live this winter In Manchester, Coventry and London. 🎇

🚀 Tickets are Free for Teens.

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Embark on an unforgettable Voyage with The National Youth Orchestra and conductor, Tianyi Lu. 🌀🎵🪐

Hans Zimmer 💫 Interstellar Suite
Julia Wolfe 🎶 Pretty
Tchaikovsky 🎻 Symphony No. 5

Bold, boundary-pushing and full of feeling. Experience it live this winter In Manchester, Coventry and London. 🎇

🚀 Tickets are Free for Teens.

Enter the world of Howl`s Moving Castle 🏰 #studioghibli #anime #piano

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Enter the world of Howl's Moving Castle 🏰 #studioghibli #anime #piano

👀 #horn #brass #orchestra

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When you play, it takes you away from difficulties in life

Prince, cello

Some of my most memorable experiences in music come from playing with other musicians. Not only does NYO give you these opportunities, but it takes them all across the UK.

Andrew

We’re one big community. It’s important to share, teach and learn things from each other, whether that’s by talking or playing music.

Erika

— Flute

NYO is about so much more than being in a top-level orchestra. It’s a way for us to spread music to as many people as possible, who otherwise might never experience the power and beauty of classical music.

Alice

— Violin

I was very touched when one Year 7 pupil stayed behind after the lesson with a million questions about cor anglais and oboes, and seeing his face when he was told they had a school oboe he could play on.

Esme

— Oboe

If we were able to inspire anyone in the audience or at the schools’ workshops to take up a musical instrument, I think that is an incredible thing.

Alice

— Violin

Being able to learn from other people your age is so important

Andrew

NYO has given me a confidence that I never thought I could have. I feel accepted and listened to and so enjoy being part of a big bass section.

Anonymous

Stories from our musicians

Michael, Trumpet

NYO brings out my best self and allows me to become a better trumpet player and collaborator.

Orchestra Experiences

3 September 2023

Finn, Violin

Being part of NYO helps channel the part of me that loves performing and presenting and inspiring. I think there’s no better feeling than performing the music that you love to other people, and knowing that they are being inspired by it.