Performing in Their Home City of Liverpool

Young musicians coming together for a special Liverpool performance

Our American Concert at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall brought together young musicians from NCO and Liverpool InHarmony. We caught up with three young musicians from Liverpool to find out what it is like to perform in their home city.

The concert also included a side by side project, where young musicians from Liverpool InHarmony joined the orchestra on stage during Aaron Copland’s Rodeo.

We spoke to Maria, violin, who is a member of NCO and from Liverpool, and Ahmed, trumpet, and Will, oboe, who are both part of Liverpool InHarmony.

What it means to perform in Liverpool

What do you like about playing in National Children’s Orchestras?

Maria: “I love that I can make so many friends that I can connect to and that we share the same interests but also play fun music together.”

For Maria performing with NCO in Liverpool also brought a special sense of being at home.

What is it like performing with NCO in your hometown?

Maria: “What I like about playing with NCO in Liverpool is that it is really close to home and it is quite special because it is the last concert. And it means it is not a long journey home.”

Bringing Liverpool musicians together

As part of the concert, young musicians from Liverpool InHarmony joined NCO for a side-by-side project, giving them the opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside young musicians from the orchestra.

For Ahmed, trumpet, one of the highlights was getting to work with other young musicians who share his passion for music.

What was your favourite part of the NCO workshops where you rehearsed the piece you were going to play?

Ahmed: “My favourite part of taking part in the NCO workshops has probably been working alongside young people who are in similar musical situations as me, playing the same instrument as me. It’s really opened my eyes and inspired me to develop my musical talent much more.”

Will: also found the experience encouraging, particularly when it came to developing his confidence.

What was your favourite part of the NCO workshops?

Will: “My favourite part was definitely getting to meet people like me. They helped me in my playing. They also helped me in my confidence. It really is encouraging and helps you to keep on going.”

Finding your instrument

We also asked them what they enjoy most about playing their instruments.

What would you say is the best thing about playing the trumpet?

Ahmed: “The best thing about playing trumpet is probably, I think it was a nice change when I went from violin to trumpet in year 5. Honestly, I get more solos, I get to play louder, and I think since I was in year 5 it was shiny, it was a bit more cool to me!”

For Will, the oboe offers plenty of opportunities to challenge himself and develop his skills.

What would you say is the best thing about playing the oboe?

Will: “The best thing about playing my instrument – I play the oboe – I think the amount of solos you get is incredible, the complexity of it, you know it helps me in developing my skills further. Overall, it’s just the confidence I’ve gained, that’s what I really enjoy.”

The American Concert brought together young musicians from NCO and Liverpool, giving them the chance to perform side by side on the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall stage.