Six disabled and non-disabled musicians are holding their brass instruments. One who is a wheelchair user is showing an iPad screen with colourful shapes on it, which is his Clarion accessible instrument. Another musician is holding an electronic keyboard.

Book your concert tickets now!

“I think our sound is unique and anyone interested in music would find it fascinating to hear.” Trombone player Jonah

We’re so excited to announce National Open Youth Orchestra concert dates in London, Bristol, Poole and Birmingham. 24 NOYO musicians will perform on this tour, playing a mix of acoustic, electronic and accessible instruments.

They will invite you to “Feel the Music” with bold interpretations of audience favourites including Anna Meredith’s “Nautilus” and Vivaldi’s “Autumn”. They will also perform their own favourite – “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”, as well as music composed for the orchestra on themes NOYO musicians deeply care about. Don’t miss the premieres of “Elements” by Alexandra Hamilton-Ayres about climate emergency, “Wittgenstein’s Chorale” by Ben Lunn which speaks of inclusion, and “Soaring through Sparks” by Michael Betteridge which shows the musical potential of the Clarion which some musicians play with their hand or head movement.

Bring family and friends so they too can discover our music and some of the unfamiliar instruments NOYO musicians play such as the Clarion and the Seaboard RISE. National Open Youth Orchestra performances are a great opportunity for young audience members interested in music to watch a full orchestra in action in a relaxed, inclusive environment. They might enjoy the option of sitting on bean bags!

We love welcoming young disabled and non-disabled concertgoers – and are really proud that our past concerts have made some want to join an ensemble.

For full details about the music programme, access, and to book your tickets, click on each box office link:

Milton Court Concert Hall, London Sunday 21 April 2024, 3-4pm

Bristol Beacon, Bristol Saturday 4 May 2024, 3-4pm

Lighthouse, Poole Saturday 18 May 2024, 3-4pm

Birmingham Town Hall Sunday 2 June 2024, 3-4pm

Previous concert reviews

“Uplifting, joyful, triumphant.” Audience member

“I’d gladly hear hour-long Sunday concerts like this more often. A really interesting afternoon of music, and I can’t wait to hear them all again.” Composer Judith Weir CBE, Master of the Queens Music

“I’ve never heard the combinations and arrangements of instruments that NOYO use. With new pieces this is interesting, but it’s even more striking with your fabulous arrangements and adaptations of ‘known’ music. These sound fantastic and fresh.” Audience member

“A rare kind of joyous celebration often absent from the concert hall.” Thoroughly Good Classical Music blog

All National Open Youth Orchestra concerts are relaxed:

They are welcoming of disabled and neurodivergent audiences, families, and anyone else who would benefit from a less formal environment. Adjustments include dimmed lights, a chillout space for quiet time before or during the performance, and a relaxed attitude to noise and audience movement. Relaxed area seating is also available. Wheelchair spaces and free companion seats can be booked through venues’ box offices.

We can’t wait to share our music with you. Until then, we’ve got a short trailer of NOYO musicians performing a segment of “Nautilus” for you: