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.

Amber, Charlie and Sakura share their excitement about the upcoming NYO Ascent performances in London, Nottingham and Coventry in January! 🤩🎶

“As teenagers, we’re charging forwards to meet our hopes, our goals and our futures. That sense of passion is going to come through when you watch us perform.”

Hear a new generation get behind the greatest orchestral music of all time. Book your tickets today, they’re Free for Teens: www.nyo.org.uk/performances (link in bio)

#NYOAscent

362 0

Open

Amber, Charlie and Sakura share their excitement about the upcoming NYO Ascent performances in London, Nottingham and Coventry in January! 🤩🎶

“As teenagers, we’re charging forwards to meet our hopes, our goals and our futures. That sense of passion is going to come through when you watch us perform.”

Hear a new generation get behind the greatest orchestral music of all time. Book your tickets today, they’re Free for Teens: www.nyo.org.uk/performances (link in bio)

#NYOAscent

The National Youth Orchestra on your screens across the UK! 🤩🎶📺

Check out this grand opening of ‘Also Sprach Zarathustra’ performed by the Orchestra and conductor Alexandre Bloch in 2023, as part of ‘Live from the @barbicancentre’ series.

Play your part in the extraordinary - tune in on Thursday 4 January 2024 as we go LIVE again, this time with NYO Ascent and Sir Mark Elder!

Secure your live-stream tickets now: www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2024/event/nyo-ascent

#NYOAscent

9244 68

Open

Experience an exhilarating adventure in sound with NYO Ascent! This winter, we’re bringing incredible orchestral music to Nottingham, Coventry and London! 🤩🎶

Book your Free for Teens tickets today: www.nyo.org.uk/performances (link in bio)

#NYOAscent

348 0

Open

Experience an exhilarating adventure in sound with NYO Ascent! This winter, we’re bringing incredible orchestral music to Nottingham, Coventry and London! 🤩🎶

Book your Free for Teens tickets today: www.nyo.org.uk/performances (link in bio)

#NYOAscent

Check out our performance of Judith Weir’s Fresh Air, featuring our woodwind players. The musicians use lots of different techniques and extended sounds in this piece, and each instrument has a chance to shine.

Want to hear more? Head to our website and experience the performance in full.

377 1

Open

Check out our performance of Judith Weir’s Fresh Air, featuring our woodwind players. The musicians use lots of different techniques and extended sounds in this piece, and each instrument has a chance to shine.

Want to hear more? Head to our website and experience the performance in full.

UNITE! 🌏

Last week, we kicked off the NYO orchestral year and brought the entire community together for NYO Unite, a series of day-long music making activities. Here are some highlights from our tour across the UK!

Head to our website to find out how YOU can get involved in future projects like this:
https://www.nyo.org.uk/get-involved (link in bio)

452 0

Open

UNITE! 🌏

Last week, we kicked off the NYO orchestral year and brought the entire community together for NYO Unite, a series of day-long music making activities. Here are some highlights from our tour across the UK!

Head to our website to find out how YOU can get involved in future projects like this:
https://www.nyo.org.uk/get-involved (link in bio)

Karakurenai’ 🥁

Check out our performance of Andy Akiho’s intricate masterpiece, originally written for solo steel pan, and now performed by all 7 percussionists from the Orchestra!

Want to hear more? Head to our website and experience the performance in full:
http://www.nyo.org.uk/the-orchestra/experience-the-music
(Link in bio)

323 2

Open

Karakurenai’ 🥁

Check out our performance of Andy Akiho’s intricate masterpiece, originally written for solo steel pan, and now performed by all 7 percussionists from the Orchestra!

Want to hear more? Head to our website and experience the performance in full:
http://www.nyo.org.uk/the-orchestra/experience-the-music
(Link in bio)

Jessie Montgomery - Source Code 👀🎶

Play your part in the audience and start your own musical adventure. Discover a new kind of music to listen to. Our performances are Free for Teens.

Join us in a concert hall or experience the music online on our website: www.nyo.org.uk/the-orchestra/experience-the-music

418 0

Open

Jessie Montgomery - Source Code 👀🎶

Play your part in the audience and start your own musical adventure. Discover a new kind of music to listen to. Our performances are Free for Teens.

Join us in a concert hall or experience the music online on our website: www.nyo.org.uk/the-orchestra/experience-the-music

Follow on Instagram

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

Prince, cello

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’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

It has helped me to take on a leadership role and have more confidence in myself.

Rebecca

— Viola

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

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 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