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.

Get ready for winter tour with Hanhan! 🎶👀

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Get ready for winter tour with Hanhan! 🎶👀

The raw power of the Orchestra. 😲

The National Youth Orchestra perform Anna Thorvaldsdottir`s Catamorphosis, at the Barbican last year.

The nation`s orchestra of teenagers reached new musical heights through this spellbindingly immersive music. 🔮🪄

You can now watch this performance in full over on NYO`s Youtube channel.

Join us at the Barbican on 4 Jan for another radiant performance from The National Youth Orchestra. Final tickets remain for Shimmer, so book now.

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The raw power of the Orchestra. 😲

The National Youth Orchestra perform Anna Thorvaldsdottir's Catamorphosis, at the Barbican last year.

The nation's orchestra of teenagers reached new musical heights through this spellbindingly immersive music. 🔮🪄

You can now watch this performance in full over on NYO's Youtube channel.

Join us at the Barbican on 4 Jan for another radiant performance from The National Youth Orchestra. Final tickets remain for Shimmer, so book now.

Play or sing along? ❄️☃️🎼

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☃️✨🎶

Mason, Oliver, Ben and James perform The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire). 🪵🔥

This festive season, musicians from the NYO community are sharing performances of their favourite festive songs - recorded especially for you. ❄️

Tap through our Stories to hear more. ⬆️

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What makes music sound Spanish? 🧐🎻

Rebecca and Joseph break down the unique sounds in Debussy’s Ibéria and Ravel’s Rapsodie Espagnole. ✨💃🎶

Hear this music performed live in London, Coventry and Nottingham this January. Tickets are Free for Teens. 🙌

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What makes music sound Spanish? 🧐🎻

Rebecca and Joseph break down the unique sounds in Debussy’s Ibéria and Ravel’s Rapsodie Espagnole. ✨💃🎶

Hear this music performed live in London, Coventry and Nottingham this January. Tickets are Free for Teens. 🙌

“It’s going to be awesome” ✨

NYO musicians share which pieces they’re most excited to bring to life on the Shimmer Tour. 🤩🎶

Join us live in concert halls and discover your own favourites! ☺️

📍4 Jan Barbican, London
📍5 Jan Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry
📍6 Jan Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham

Tickets are Free for Teens. 💥

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“It’s going to be awesome” ✨

NYO musicians share which pieces they’re most excited to bring to life on the Shimmer Tour. 🤩🎶

Join us live in concert halls and discover your own favourites! ☺️

📍4 Jan Barbican, London
📍5 Jan Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry
📍6 Jan Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham

Tickets are Free for Teens. 💥

👀🎻

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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

Being at NYO is my favourite time of year.

India

— Violin

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

Some of my most memorable experiences in music come from playing with other musicians.

Patrick

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

Andrew

the experience of NYO over the past three years has been life changing for me. I always come back energised from any NYO course, with a renewed sense of purpose and self confidence.

Robert

— Horn

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

I’ve never been part of NYO before and I had a really great time [on the Spring residency], especially meeting young musicians from around the country.

Jacqueline

— Cello