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
Championing orchestral music as a powerful agent for teenage development.
The National Youth Orchestra was founded in 1948 as a post war symbol of hope and confidence. For over 70 years our pioneering spirit has made us a leader in high quality music education and a champion of teenage potential.
Our purpose
We activate teenagersโ confidence, optimism and skills to play their part in the world today, through performing and sharing extraordinary music.
We open doors for young people, equipping them with new ideas, new experiences, new friends and new music to master. By developing their potential as role models, we employ music to create a movement of changemakers making a positive impact for their generation.
Over the next decade we aim to create a significantly bigger national community for teenage musicians of all backgrounds and different levels of ability.
Whether youโre a musician, parent, music educator or supporter, thereโs a part here for you.
The need for our work
The world is changing beyond measure for young people. Society is increasingly divisive. The crisis in young peopleโs mental health in one of the biggest challenges of our time. We believe in the power of music to address this.
We know that 82% of young people from low-income families who participate in arts activities at school report better well-being. Researchers have been unable to identify a comparable activity that develops the cognitive capacity of young people, in the same ways, or to the same extent as music and arts education. World leaders agree that the interpersonal, social and emotional skills that are fostered by the arts are most needed in the workforce.
Our high-quality opportunities address the growing limitations in music education provision, especially where social inequality exacerbates challenges faced by young people. We have a track record for supporting teenagers to excel whatever their background and circumstances. Our equity initiatives have strengthened the representation of young people from all backgrounds in the NYO community.
Our unique approach fosters understanding and hope between young people, cultivating positive disciplines, values and skills, supporting their futures. Our work plays a vital role in diversifying and sustaining the talent pipeline for the UKโs world class music industry alongside an array of different professions.
In numbers
160 teenage musicians in the Orchestra
1,000 NYO Inspire musicians with a further 1,000 participating through NYO Open
8,000 teenage audiences in concert halls, schools & youth centres nationwide.
15,000 music loving audiences in iconic venues across the UK
Meet the teamโ
Get to know the passionate and dedicated staff and trustees working hard to inspire, nurture and learn with young musicians.ย
Our historyโ
Founded in 1948, The National Youth Orchestra has a proud history of opening up opportunities to play and share orchestral music. Find out more about our founder, Dame Ruth Railton and key moments that have shaped our organisation.
Latest news
Weโre delighted to announce the appointment of two Youth Trustees to the Board of Trustees, Hannah Rebecca Stell and Patrick Bevan.
- The National Youth Orchestra
- Performances
- The Orchestra
Teenage musicians representing all areas of the UK will ignite passion for orchestral music at every level.
- The Orchestra
Weโre delighted to announce the appointment of two Youth Trustees to the Board of Trustees, Hannah Rebecca Stell and Patrick Bevan.
- The National Youth Orchestra
- Performances
- The Orchestra
Teenage musicians representing all areas of the UK will ignite passion for orchestral music at every level.
- The Orchestra
โRoof-raisingโ, โmonumentalโ and โmagicalโ... the reviews for As One are in!
- Broadcasts
- NYO Inspire
- Performances
- Reviews
- The Orchestra
- Broadcasts
- Performances
- NYO Inspire
NYO is about so much more than being in a top-level orchestra. Itโs 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
If we were able to inspire anyone in the audience or at the schoolsโ workshops to take up a musical instrument, I think that is an incredible thing.
Alice
— Violin
Nothing means more than someone you know being there [in the audience] and performing locally gives that opportunity for friends especially to have a glimpse at the world that is NYO.
Patrick
— Viola
I swear the temperature actually rises in the Royal Albert Hall when we play.
Ashley
— Trombone
The whole day was brilliant!
NYO Inspire musician
The feeling each and every audience member brings to you as you perform on stage means a lot.
Patrick
— Viola
Some of my most memorable experiences in music come from playing with other musicians.
Patrick