The National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO) is a pioneering inclusive orchestra where brilliant 11-25 year-old disabled and non-disabled musicians rehearse and perform together. Alongside the touring orchestra, we run five Regional NOYO Ensembles in partnership with leading arts organisations in Bristol, Cardiff, London, Bournemouth and Birmingham.

We champion musical inclusion through exciting new music written and arranged for a wide mix of musicians and instruments.

The NOYO sound boldly blends acoustic and electronic instruments. Some are not usually found in orchestras, such as bass guitar or synthesiser. Others may be new to audiences, like the Clarion, which some musicians play using head movement.  

We work with cutting-edge composers to create new music. In 2025 we premiered ‘Fragile’ by Yfat Soul Zisso and ‘Ring Out!’ by Liam Taylor-West. We also work with venues to produce accessible concerts.

Stay tuned as we continue to bring new diversity and creativity into the orchestra!