Announcement, News from the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain

The National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain announced their new orchestra earlier this week - made up of 164 totally brilliant teenage musicians from all corners of the UK, these young players will join together to produce NYO's spectacular sound in 2020.

Declaring upfront that I personally have a vested interest in NYO with two sons (on viola and cello) in the orchestra, everyone here at Presto is also acutely aware of the invaluable role which NYO plays in helping to create tomorrow’s stars, with conductors Sir Simon Rattle (percussionist 1971) and Sir Mark Elder (bassoonist 1964-1965) and composer Judith Weir (oboist 1971-1972) just three from literally hundreds of former members who now have recordings available on the Presto website.

Alongside the main orchestra, NYO also run a number of events which reach thousands of young people every year. In particular, NYO Inspire provides free opportunities for teenage musicians to develop their orchestral playing through a mixture of workshops, residentials, rehearsals and public performances. This amazing project gives talented teenage musicians from a wide range of backgrounds the experience and coaching they need to progress further with their passion for classical music and turn their talent into brilliance.

Over the coming season, we’ll be sharing updates from time to time about their concerts and projects, which all kicks off in just a few weeks’ time in January 2020 with a tour to Warwick, London and Nottingham. Their programme features works by Hanns Eisler and Britten alongside Shostakovich's Eleventh Symphony. More information and ticket details for NYO’s winter concerts can be found here.

We’re hoping that by raising awareness of the orchestra, we can play a small part in helping them to raise the funds they need every year to continue the incredible work they do - encouraging the next generation of classical musicians and providing them with outstanding orchestral experiences. If you’re one of our UK customers, you may find a letter from NYO with more information about NYO Inspire in your next order - alternatively you can find out more on the NYO website.