This February, The National Youth Orchestra, in partnership with Blackpool Music Hub, is opening up the buzz of orchestral music to teenagers from across the UK in Blackpool.
- 390 teenage musicians will come to Blackpool to take part in three-day residencies, as part of the NYO Inspire programme.
- Local teen bands are invited to take part in three days of creative music-making, culminating in a performance at Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
- 1,300 pupils from local schools will hear The National Youth Orchestra perform in Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
For a second year running, 390 teenage musicians from across the UK continue their adventure with NYO Inspire during three-day residencies at Blackpool’s St Mary’s Academy during half-term. Musicians will work in orchestral family groups (strings, woodwind, brass percussion and harp) to develop ensemble skills, unleash creativity, and form new friendships and skills that will resonate beyond the music.
NYO Inspire is designed to support equity in music education and unlock potential. The programme is for teenagers with a passion for music, playing at a level equivalent to Grade 6 (and above) and particularly welcomes those facing challenges in accessing music opportunities, and from underrepresented backgrounds.
The National Youth Orchestra will also open the door to the buzz of orchestral music to local young people. Over 1,300 secondary school pupils will experience the energy and excitement of orchestral music first hand, as members of NYO perform in two concerts at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom on 19th February. These performances by teenagers, for teenagers, will include music by Smetana, Stevie Wonder, Marquez, Coleridge-Taylor and NYO’s Resident Artist, Dani Howard.
Local bands will join the NYO community to dive into a creative three-day programme of music-making, and will also take to the stage at the Tower Ballroom to share their creative pieces with the audience.
The musical celebration doesn’t end there! The day after the Tower Ballroom performances, musicians will visit local secondary schools, igniting creative sparks as they lead immersive music-making workshops.
Rachel Long, Head of NYO Inspire said:
“We can’t wait to return to Blackpool and this year are particularly looking forward to performing and sharing extraordinary music with even more local young people.”