National Children's Orchestras of Great Britain

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National Children's Orchestras of Great Britain At NCO children aged 8-14 uncover the joy of orchestral music, unleash their creativity and realise their ambitions. Play together. Be unstoppable.

At National Children’s Orchestras (NCO), our mission is to champion the life-changing power of music. We believe no dream is too big, orchestral music shapes skills and hearts, everyone has their own brilliance, and that community is a powerful force. Every year, nearly 2,000 children aged 8 to 14 connect with NCO by taking part in auditioned orchestral weeks and weekends, non-auditioned workshops, activities with schools and local hubs, as well as attending free concerts. We empower children to discover the joy of orchestral music, unlock their creativity, pursue their ambitions, and embrace a future full of endless possibilities. Through music, we create supportive communities that enrich lives. The confidence, resilience, and teamwork nurtured through our programmes become lifelong skills, wherever each young musician’s journey takes them.

We’re bringing our summer blog series full circle! 🎺⭐Our 13–14 year old musicians took to the stage at Royal Liverpool P...
12/10/2026

We’re bringing our summer blog series full circle! 🎺⭐

Our 13–14 year old musicians took to the stage at Royal Liverpool Philharmonic for their American Concert, conducted by Andrew Morley. The programme celebrated the sounds of America, from Gershwin and Bernstein.

The concert also saw our musicians perform alongside young musicians from In Harmony Liverpool Philharmonic for Copland’s Rodeo, bringing everyone together for a brilliant performance.

There were plenty of memorable moments away from the stage, including a harp that seemed to have a mind of its own, flutes making a magical appearance and a bassoon video inspired by ragtime!

As we reach the final blog in our summer series, we’re ending where the summer began, celebrating the music making and creativity that made these weeks so special.

🔗 Read the full blog via the link below or visit NCO Stories on our website.

📸 Luke O’Shea

https://nco.org.uk/american-concert-orchestral-weeks-summer-blog/

Today, we’re celebrating 10 years of with YoungMinds! 💛Every young person deserves to feel listened to and supported w...
09/10/2026

Today, we’re celebrating 10 years of with YoungMinds! 💛

Every young person deserves to feel listened to and supported with their mental health, and no one should have to face things alone.

We’re marking the occasion by sharing some of our young musicians wearing yellow to show support.

Speaking to someone you trust can be a good first step, and your voice deserves to be heard. You are not alone. ⭐

We're recruiting! ⭐We are looking for a Head of Safeguarding and Support to join our team.This role will lead NCO’s appr...
08/10/2026

We're recruiting! ⭐

We are looking for a Head of Safeguarding and Support to join our team.

This role will lead NCO’s approach to safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusion across the full range of orchestral activities. They will oversee our safeguarding policies, procedures and training, while supporting young musicians, families, staff and freelance teams to ensure all children and young people feel safe, supported and included throughout their time with NCO.

🔔 Deadline: Wednesday 4th November, 9am

🔗 Visit our website via the link below to apply and view the job pack

https://nco.org.uk/about-us/join-our-team/

A summer of creativity and environmental inspiration 🌍🎶Our 12–13 year old young musicians brought There’s No Planet B to...
07/10/2026

A summer of creativity and environmental inspiration 🌍🎶

Our 12–13 year old young musicians brought There’s No Planet B to the stage at Bristol Beacon, conducted by Matthew Quinn and presented by Naomi Wilkinson.

The concert also featured the premiere of The Beavers of Bristol, created with Year 6 pupils from Horfield CofE Primary School and inspired by the return of beavers to the River Avon.

Away from the concert, there was plenty going on too, from an NCO disco and a French horns video inspired by Chariots of Fire, to the trumpet section getting a closer look at some period instruments!

🔗 Read the full blog via the link below or visit NCO Stories on our website.

📸 Vernon Nash

https://nco.org.uk/theres-no-planet-b-orchestral-weeks-summer-blog/

Are you an undergraduate or postgraduate studying music or conducting? ⭐Applications for NCO Student Placements 2027 are...
06/10/2026

Are you an undergraduate or postgraduate studying music or conducting? ⭐

Applications for NCO Student Placements 2027 are now open!

Gain experience working with young musicians and large youth ensembles, develop your skills as an emerging musical leader and connect with students from across the country.

With four placement options available, there’s an opportunity to find an experience that suits your interests.

🔔 Deadline: Thursday 12th November, 12pm

🔗 Find out more and apply via our website or the link below.

https://nco.org.uk/get-involved/student-placements/

It's World Teacher Day! 💫🎺Today we are celebrating our brilliant tutors and conductors who bring NCO’s orchestral activi...
05/10/2026

It's World Teacher Day! 💫🎺

Today we are celebrating our brilliant tutors and conductors who bring NCO’s orchestral activity to life.

From rehearsals to concert day, their expertise and encouragement help our young musicians grow and discover their musical potential. We’re so grateful for everything they bring to NCO!

Take a look back at our Spellbound concert from August! ✨🪄Conducted by Caroline Hobbs Smith, our 11–12 year old young mu...
01/10/2026

Take a look back at our Spellbound concert from August! ✨🪄

Conducted by Caroline Hobbs Smith, our 11–12 year old young musicians brought this magical programme to life at Wiltshire Music Centre, with plenty of fun along the way.

From Georgia’s pirate hat making an appearance during her young presenting, to our trumpet’s rendition of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, there were plenty of memorable moments both on and off stage.

There was even time for some of our harpists to catch up on their sleep in their harp covers, alongside plenty of laughter and fun during the Z Test!

🔗 Read the full blog via the link below or visit NCO Stories on our website

📸 Vernon Nash

https://nco.org.uk/spellbound-orchestral-weeks-summer-blog/

Missed NCO 2027 auditions? There may still be an opportunity to audition. ⭐We’re opening a small number of later auditio...
25/09/2026

Missed NCO 2027 auditions? There may still be an opportunity to audition. ⭐

We’re opening a small number of later audition opportunities for young musicians who may be able to join one of our 2027 orchestras.

We’re currently looking for viola, double bass and percussion, alongside a small number of other instruments.

Find out more about later auditions via the links below.

🔔 Deadline: 9am, Monday 5th October.

https://nco.org.uk/get-involved/orchestral-weeks/
https://nco.org.uk/get-involved/orchestral-weekends/

It’s nearly time for our Winter Concert! ❄Led by conductor Andrew Morley, our 13 and 14 year old musicians will take to ...
11/09/2026

It’s nearly time for our Winter Concert! ❄

Led by conductor Andrew Morley, our 13 and 14 year old musicians will take to the stage with a programme of orchestral favourites, including The Planets by Holst, Dance Episodes from Copland’s Rodeo, An American in Paris and the Star Wars Suite.

📍 Woolwich Works
📅 Sunday 22nd November
⏰ 3pm

Perfect for all ages, this concert showcases the energy, joy and passion of our young musicians and marks their final performance of 2026 with NCO.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now via the venue website or the link below.

https://www.woolwich.works/events/national-childrens-orchestras-winter-concert-2026

Calling all young musicians in Lancashire! ✨🎶We’re excited to bring an NCO Orchestral Day to your area this autumn in pa...
10/09/2026

Calling all young musicians in Lancashire! ✨🎶

We’re excited to bring an NCO Orchestral Day to your area this autumn in partnership with Lancashire Music Hub.

This free, fun-filled day is a chance to make music, meet other young musicians, and work with our amazing team of tutors.

📍 All Hallows Catholic High School
📅 Saturday 17th October

Join our friendly team of tutors for a day perfect for young musicians aged 8 to 14, playing at around Grades 2 to 5.

🔔 Apply by 9am, Thursday 1st October

🔗Find all the details on our website or through the link below.

https://nco.org.uk/get-involved/orchestral-days/

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Unit 2. 3 Streamline, 436-441 Paintworks
Bristol
BS43AS

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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