The Orchestra

At the heart of our community and celebrated as ‘the world’s greatest orchestra of teenagers’, these 160 teenagers play epic music and shape shift into different ensembles. And they play their part as changemakers for their generation.

Meet our Musicians

Meet the 158 teenage musicians who through their love of music, and their commitment and talents, play their part in a cutting-edge orchestra that speaks to their generation.

Meet our Musicians

Experience the music

Enjoy the electric energy and extraordinary skill of The National Youth Orchestra with videos of recent concerts and performances.

Our teenage musicians from different backgrounds across the nation come together to surprise and delight music-loving audiences in concert halls, communities and online.

Experience the Music

Our Alumni

See all the extraordinary musicians who have played a part in the orchestra since it was founded in 1948. 

All our alumni are welcome to keep in touch and remain valued members of the NYO community.

Search our Alumni

The NYO Adventure: find out about how we work

Take a look behind the scenes and find out what makes joining the NYO community, the greatest adventure in orchestral music.

From the exceptional challenges to the opportunities to inspire others, it’s an exciting and growing community to be part of. 

Find out more

Stories from our musicians

See more case studies
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Defne, Harp

I really enjoy making amazing music with my friends who are very passionate about music just like me.
  • Orchestra Experiences
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Prince, Double Bass

NYO Inspire was much more challenging than anything I’ve done.
  • Inspire Journeys
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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.
  • Orchestra Experiences
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Prince, Double Bass

NYO Inspire was much more challenging than anything I’ve done.
  • Inspire Journeys
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Smera, Bassoon

After lockdown I really valued music so much more because I realised what life was like without music.
  • Inspire Journeys
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Ellie, Trombone

Here, I enrich myself musically and share my passion of music with others, and simply enjoy being a part of something bigger than myself.
  • Orchestra Experiences
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Aki, Violin

At NYO, I’m able to share my enthusiasm and passion for music with people of my age and inspire and be inspired with others.
  • Orchestra Experiences
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Tara, Violin

I can be a different person in music because I feel a lot more comfortable.
  • Inspire Journeys
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Sana, Percussion

I want to open up orchestral music for my generation by taking part in projects in schools around the country, showing young people what NYO is and how orchestral music can be accessible to everyone.
  • Orchestra Experiences
See more case studies