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
story-ellie

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
story-finn

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
story-defne

Defne, Harp

I really enjoy making amazing music with my friends who are very passionate about music just like me.
  • Orchestra Experiences
story-sana

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
NYO Inspire Blackpool- 150

Smera, Bassoon

After lockdown I really valued music so much more because I realised what life was like without music.
  • Inspire Journeys
Evie REBRAND.00_00_22_08.Still002

Evie, Cello

NYO Inspire offers a love of classical music that we don't get to experience elsewhere.
  • Inspire Journeys
story-defne

Defne, Harp

I really enjoy making amazing music with my friends who are very passionate about music just like me.
  • Orchestra Experiences
Michael playing trumpet at a rehearsal

Michael, Trumpet

NYO brings out my best self and allows me to become a better trumpet player and collaborator.
  • Orchestra Experiences
story-toby

Toby, Horn

It is so great to share different knowledge and ideas with fellow musicians.
  • Orchestra Experiences
See more case studies