We have three age-banded symphony orchestras that meet for two residential orchestral weeks in the year – one week in the spring (April) school holidays and one in the summer (July or August) school holidays, leading to a concert at the end. As well as rehearsals and sectionals, members enjoy recreation and social activities, creative workshops and wellbeing sessions.
The three age-banded orchestras are based on the age they will be on the 31st of August of the year in which they audition for NCO, and young musicians come from across the United Kingdom.
The orchestra made up of our eldest members (those aged 13 on 31st August 2025) also meet up for a non-residential weekend in November/December, leading to a public performance.
Watch A Day in the Life: NCO Orchestral Weeks (previously the ‘National programme’) on YouTube by clicking the image below.
If you’ve been in NCO before, these orchestras were previously called our National Orchestras.
"NCO has meant the world to me. As each activity passed, I immediately looked forward to the next one, both for the pure enjoyment of playing in an orchestra with such such talented young musicians as well as seeing friends that live nationally." NCO Member, aged 14.
"Rehearsing and performing the most ambitious and varied repertoire, the 300 exceptional young musicians of our residential orchestras will be immersed in the skill and joy of orchestral playing when they meet for their Orchestral Weeks. How they help us to shape their learning and show us what a difference they can make to the world is one of the great joys of NCO." Catherine Arlidge, Artistic and Educational Director
Through varied musical repertoire and connections with stellar musical tutors, creative and wellbeing experts and conductors, auditioning and taking part in Orchestral Weeks is a fantastic opportunity to develop musically through playing together in large symphony orchestras and making great friends!
You can get the best introduction to what happens at our residential Orchestral Weeks by watching our Day in the Life of Orchestral Weeks (previously National programme) film above!
Joining NCO
See more about joining NCO, including information on auditions, fees and financial support.
