National Open Youth Orchestra

About NOYO

The National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO) is a world-pioneering inclusive orchestra where brilliant 11-25 year-old disabled and non-disabled musicians rehearse and perform together.

This dynamic orchestra evolves annually, with seventeen musicians coming together in Birmingham this year to present a broad programme of contemporary classical music.

All National Open Youth Orchestra musicians have come through the ranks of five regional NOYO Ensembles, which are delivered through major partnerships:

• Birmingham NOYO Ensemble, in partnership with Services For Education, B:Music and Midlands Arts Centre
• London NOYO Ensemble, in partnership with Barbican and Guildhall School of Music & Drama
• Bournemouth NOYO Ensemble, in partnership with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
• Bristol NOYO Ensemble, in partnership with Bristol Beacon
• Cardiff NOYO Ensemble, in partnership with Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and BBC National Orchestra of Wales

For more information, visit Welcome - National Open Youth Orchestra

Watch NOYO members perform

NOYO members play The Umbrella, composed for the orchestra by Liam Taylor-West. The song won a British composer award in 2018.

The National Open Youth Orchestra is a programme of Open Up Music (Registered Charity No1167028). Open Up Music is an Arts Council National Portfolio organisation (NPO), and an Arts Council and Department for Education National Youth Music Organisation (NYMO). It is also generously supported by founding sponsor ABRSM, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Lightbulb Trust, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, The Rayne Foundation, John James Bristol Foundation, The Radcliffe Trust, D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust and Chapman Charitable Trust

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