About the National Youth Orchestra

The National Youth Orchestra is the UK’s leading organisation championing orchestral music as a powerful agent for teenage development. We are a welcoming community where every teenager can play their part in shaping their world through extraordinary music. 

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Our purpose

We are here to help teenagers unlock their confidence, optimism and skills for life through playing and sharing orchestral music.

We welcome teenage musicians of all backgrounds and different levels of ability into a national community. We support their development in music and in life through projects, workshops and performances. We open doors for young people, introducing them to new ideas, new experiences, new friends and new music to master.

Our values

Everything we do is rooted in our values. 

The National Youth Orchestra is:   

Open – we are open to people from every background. We aim to take down barriers and be accessible to all.  

Adventurous – we take on new challenges, set new horizons and go on the adventure together. 

Radically imaginative – we enjoy innovation, we think big and boldly, our music has edge, energy and excitement.  

Sharing generously – we see the best in people and want the best for people, and we are hopeful.  

Agile – we are responsive to the needs of people and partners. We work with a spirit of inquiry. 

Responsible – what we do is needed. We are honest and transparent.

Our approach

We work alongside teenage musicians to realise their potential as role models who can open up music to their generation.

Every year, 160 musicians in the NYO Orchestra help make change for thousands more. They play their part to bring opportunities to their generation, leading projects to share music in schools, mentoring aspiring musicians and performing across the UK.

Through collaboration and shared responsibility, teenagers at NYO develop the confidence to see that they can make a difference through the power of music.

How we’re funded

Only 9% of the money we need to provide life-changing opportunities for teenagers comes from Arts Council England and the Department of Education.

We raise the remaining funds through the generous support of charitable trusts and foundations and donations from individuals.

Teenage bassoon player with The National Youth Orchestra
NYO Inspire helped me to believe in myself and remember that while I may not have had the same opportunities, I have just as much right to be there as anyone else
Ellie, cello
When you play, it takes you away from difficulties in life
Prince, cello
Being able to learn from other people your age is so important
Andrew
It made me feel really happy that we managed to make something that good
Play the School participant
NYO Inspire is probably the best thing I’ve done in my whole life.
NYO Inspire Musician
The whole day was brilliant!
NYO Inspire musician
From the second you arrive, you feel as though you’re joining a musical family, as it’s such a safe and encouraging environment
NYO Inspire musician
Some of my most memorable experiences in music come from playing with other musicians. Not only does NYO give you these opportunities, but it takes them all across the UK.
Andrew

Latest news

Read more news
NYO welcomes Youth Trustees

NYO welcomes Youth Trustees to the Board of Trustees

We’re delighted to announce the appointment of two Youth Trustees to the Board of Trustees, Hannah Rebecca Stell and Patrick Bevan.
  • The National Youth Orchestra
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Illuminate tour this Winter

The Orchestra of 2025 will embark on their first tour of the year.
  • Performances
  • The Orchestra
ChangeMaker-Warp (Website News)

Meet the Changemakers of 2025

Teenage musicians representing all areas of the UK will ignite passion for orchestral music at every level.
  • The Orchestra