Classic FM has worked with the National Children’s Orchestra (NCO) for a number of years, giving remarkable children right across the country the opportunity to play in full orchestras and ensembles, to learn from exceptional tutors, to meet fellow young musicians and to have fun!
NCO is the only organisation that operates on a national scale in the UK catering for children in the 7-14 years old age group who show early sparks of musical potential.
NCO believes in the joy and power of orchestral playing and its capability to help children realise their full creative potential. They place children at the centre of everything that they do and empower them to be the very best that they can be.
“NCO provided my child with the wonderful opportunity to play a challenging and varied repertoire; develop musical creativity, performance, and wellbeing skills; and to make longstanding friendships with children with similar interests.” NCO Parent, 2019
“Being in NCO has inspired me in so many ways, the tutors were really fun and taught me so many new things. I was also really inspired by the conductors and I got a real feel for what being a sectional leader was like.” NCO Member 2019
“I have learnt so much new music and have made so many new friends during the summer course and I have enjoyed every minute of it. It was an amazing experience and I would love to do it again next year!” NCO Member 2019
NCO currently comprises over 600 young musicians who come together in three National Symphony Orchestras for residential orchestral activity and in four regional Projects ensembles for non-residential orchestral weekends.
NCO’s programme includes exceptional in-person orchestral coaching with incredible tutors, artists and conductors, as well as enriched musical learning through complementary digital activities. Young musicians develop their playing and musicality, discover their creativity, learn vital wellbeing skills, find their voices and celebrate the joy of making music with others.
NCO is interested to hear from all young musicians with promise, whatever their background, schooling or circumstances. Its financial support programme provides children and their parents/guardians with full or partial bursaries to cover the membership fees and auditions are by video and absolutely free.
To find out more about the NCO, visit www.nco.org.uk
