Edinburgh Youth Orchestra

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Edinburgh Youth Orchestra

Welcome to the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra, founded in 1963 for musicians aged 13 - 21.

EYO is a Scottish charity founded in 1963 dedicated to nurturing musical excellence & widening access to orchestral opportunities for young people in Edinburgh, the Lothians and across Scotland.

08/10/2026

✨ ALUMNI STORIES 05 | Meet the EYO Alumni – Emily Granozio ✨

It’s time for this week’s Alumni Stories and today we’re catching up with Emily Granozio, who played violin in EYO around 2007. 🎻

🎶 What did EYO mean to Emily?

“Looking back, EYO was a really important part of my musical life.”

For Emily, being part of such a formative and structured musical environment was a big deal, and it became a major reason she went on to study music at university.

It also gave her the chance to experience big orchestral works up close, learn from musicians around her and make great friends along the way.

One memory that has stayed with her is playing in the second violins in the second movement of Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 2, where the part was particularly exposed. She also remembers the sectionals - intense at times, but hugely instructive.

“There was just so much to learn from being surrounded by musicians at that level.”

🎼 And where has that journey taken her?

Emily has gone on to build a career in classical music, working as an agent as well as for a symphony orchestra and with a variety of ensembles and artists over the years.

And now, she’s embarking on an exciting new chapter having recently become a new mum! ❤️

🌟 What advice would Emily give to young musicians?

“Seek out opportunities wherever you can, whether they’re big or small.”

For Emily, every experience has something to offer and you never know which opportunities will stay with you for life.

From a young violinist finding her feet in EYO to building a career in classical music, Emily’s story is a wonderful reminder that the experiences we have as young musicians can stay with us long into the future. And in another full circle moment, EYO will performing Rachmaninov Symphony No. 2 next Summer, 20 years since it was last performed by the orchestra.✨

📸Danielle Watt

05/10/2026

🎶 “I feel like I’ve really found my place.”🎶

🎺So what makes EYO, EYO? Let us introduce ourselves and who better to tell you than the people at the heart of it?

💬 Hear from members of EYO Symphony Orchestra 2026 and our tutors as they share who we are and what being part of EYO means to them, from music and friendships to community and unforgettable experiences.🩷

▶️ Watch our new ‘About EYO’ video and discover what makes EYO so special.

🎥 Wolfgang Studios

02/10/2026

⏳Something’s coming…and we can’t wait to share it with you.

📣 Tune in on Monday - you won’t want to miss it!

01/10/2026

✨ ALUMNI STORIES 04 | Meet the EYO Alumni - Lisa Kerr ✨

For our next instalment of Alumni Stories, we’re catching up with Lisa Kerr, who was part of EYO in the late 1980s and early 1990s, playing cello. She also served as Chair of the Players Committee and on the Board - a role she holds again today!

🎻 What did EYO mean to Lisa as a young musician?
“I LOVED EYO. It was where I found my orchestral wings - and probably also my organisational bent.”

Lisa remembers sitting around the 2nd or 3rd desk, which she describes as “the best spot,” right at the heart of the music. But for her, EYO was about much more than playing in an orchestra.

The friendships, social events and shared experiences created powerful connections between the players, while working alongside EYO’s then manager, Marjory Dougal, gave Lisa an early taste of helping to organise courses and create memorable experiences for others.

🌍 One experience stands out in particular: the tour to California.

It was a trip full of firsts - from tasting her first mango and driving in her first convertible, to receiving her first standing ovation!

🎶 And where has Lisa’s journey taken her?
Lisa is now Principal at George Watson's College, having previously been Principal at Gordonstoun.

Her career before education has been wonderfully varied, taking her through Classic FM, radio, management, lobbying and PR, management consultancy and a diverse non-executive portfolio.

And now, in a full-circle moment, Lisa is back on the EYO Board - helping to shape the organisation that played such an important role in her own musical journey.

💬 Her advice to young musicians?
“Say YES to every single opportunity. Pack in more than you think you can manage. Do more, try more, enjoy more.”

From finding her “orchestral wings” as a young cellist to returning to EYO as a Board member, Lisa’s story is a brilliant reminder of the friendships, opportunities and experiences that can stay with you long after the final concert. ❤️

30/09/2026

⏰ ONE MONTH TO GO! 🎶

Thinking about joining EYO Symphony Orchestra 2027? Now’s the time to get your application in!

🎻 EYO Symphony Orchestra
📅 Application deadline: 30 October 2026
For advanced young musicians aged 13–21, with auditions taking place in December.

Not quite ready for the Symphony Orchestra yet? No problem!

🧡 EYO Training Orchestra
💜 EYO Ensembles Course
📅 Application deadline: 31 January 2027

Both are non-auditioned, so they’re a great way to develop your playing, make music with other young musicians and be part of EYO.

Whatever your level, there’s a way to get involved.

🔗Don’t miss your deadline - apply now!

www.edinburghyouthorchestra.org/eyo-symphony-orchestra

29/09/2026

💬Thinking about auditioning for EYO Symphony Orchestra 2027 but not sure what to expect?

🎻Becca’s here to talk you through the audition process!

✨ Apply by 30 October 2026
🎼 Audition in Edinburgh on 5 or 6 December, or submit a video by 2 December
🎵 Prepare a piece of your choice (max. 7 mins) + orchestral excerpts
💻 Video auditions are available if you can’t make it in person

EYO Symphony Orchestra is for advanced young musicians aged 13–21. In 2027, we’ll be working with conductor José Salazar, cellist Laura van der Heijden and our team of incredible professional musicians, studying repertoire including Rachmaninov Symphony No. 2, Elgar’s Cello Concerto and Markeas’ Freedom, She Yells and performing three concerts in Edinburgh and Stirling.

And if you’re not quite at this stage of playing yet, don’t worry!

Our Training Orchestra and Ensembles Course are not auditioned, and applications are open now, so there’s a place to get involved whatever your level.

Ready to give it a go?

🔗Click the link in comments for full details and get your applications in! 🎶

27/09/2026

🎶 Why apply for EYO 2027? Let’s ask the players Part 2

One of the things that makes EYO so special is the opportunity to get stuck into amazing repertoire - music that challenges you, inspires you and sometimes, you simply wouldn’t get the chance to play elsewhere.

In 2027, the EYO Symphony Orchestra will be performing repertoire including Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 2 - a spectacular work full of sweeping melodies, huge orchestral moments and plenty to get your teeth into.

Our Ensembles and Training Orchestra will explore a diverse range of music from across the world, giving players the chance to discover new sounds, styles and musical traditions.

And don’t just take our word for it…

💬“EYO allows me to tackle challenging repertoire while being part of a community that shares my passion for music.”

💬“EYO gives me the opportunity to play a wide range of repertoire that I would otherwise not get the chance to play!”

Ready to play something amazing?

Applications for EYO 2027 are open!
🩷Symphony Orchestra Deadline: 30 October
💜🧡Ensembles and Training Orchestra Course Deadline: 31 January 2027

🔗Click the link for more information:

www.edinburghyouthorchestra.org/our-programmes

24/09/2026

✨ ALUMNI STORIES 03 | Meet the EYO Alumni – Alison Howells ✨

For our third instalment of Alumni Stories, we’re catching up with Alison Howells (née Montgomery), who played viola in EYO from 1983–1989, including a spell as Principal Viola. 🎻

🎶 What did EYO mean to Alison?
“I loved my time in EYO and am still friends with many of the people I met there - members and staff.”

Highlights included working with Chris Adey, particularly on the 1989 California tour, performing Mozart’s Symphony No. 41 at the Festival of British Youth Orchestras with Donald Runnicles, and accompanying a Youth Opera on tour during her final summer with EYO.

A huge influence on Alison’s musical journey was Dr O’Riordan, whose encouragement and belief in young players stayed with her.

“It was a real honour to perform one more time with EYO at his memorial concert.”

🎼 And where has that journey taken her?
After studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Alison has worked with Cardiff & Vale Music Education since 1992 and is now Deputy Head of Service, managing ensembles from the pre-grade 1 Starters’ Orchestra, which she proudly conducts, through to the Youth Orchestra.

And in a wonderful full-circle moment, Alison brought the Cardiff & Vale Youth Orchestra to Edinburgh in 1999 for the Festival of British Youth Orchestras. They performed for Dr O’Riordan and went on to win the Boosey & Hawkes Youth Orchestra Award. ❤️

From EYO viola player to inspiring the next generation of young musicians, Alison’s story is a wonderful reminder of the lasting impact of an EYO experience.

Her time with EYO continues to inspire her work in music education today. ✨

23/09/2026

🎻 Why apply for EYO 2027? Let’s ask the players…

One of the best things about being part of EYO is the chance to work with amazing professional tutors - musicians who bring experience, inspiration and encouragement into every rehearsal.

But don’t just take our word for it…

💬 “EYO has been an incredible opportunity. The high standard of tutoring is second to none, and the repertoire was ambitious and enjoyable!”

💬 “The Tutors could not have been better, making me feel included and creating an amazing positive experience and something I truly recommend to anyone.”

✨ World-class tutoring. Ambitious repertoire. A supportive environment. And an experience you’ll remember.

🎶Applications for EYO 2027 are open - could you be part of it?

🔗Follow the link below to explore our three programmes - Training Orchestra, Ensembles Course and Symphony Orchestra - and apply today!

www.edinburghyouthorchestra.org/our-programmes

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