On Sunday 11 December, NCO’s Main and Under 13 Orchestras will perform a glittering Winter Concert at the Barbican Centre. For many of the Main Orchestra musicians, this will be their final NCO event. At the end of the year, 100 members of the orchestra will “retire” from NCO at the ripe old age of 14, and become a part of the huge alumni community.
We spoke to ex-members of the NCO, and asked them to share their words of wisdom:
"I often look back upon my time in the early days of the NCO. They incorporated many of the fondest memories of my childhood. It has been a nostalgic and moving experience to see my two children now performing with the orchestra 30 years later! I wish the very best to all of the young musicians for a wonderful concert at the Barbican."
David Akka, NCO 1984-1985
“My advice to the Main Orchestra members is to keep in touch with the people you meet on your course; it is so inspiring to see where other people go on their musical journeys!”
Ben Carr, NCO 2008
“Joining the NCO cemented the idea forming in my mind that I wanted to dedicate my life to playing in an orchestra. Meeting like-minded children from all over the UK, and the amazing bonds that formed, created a wonderful camaraderie that I'll never forget. Discovering so many symphonic works for the first time in such an environment was incredibly special and I cherish those memories of music and friendship to this day.”
Maxine Kwok-Adams, NCO 1998-1991
“By the time I got into NCO I was well used to performing, but the quality of the orchestra, the challenge of the repertoire and the grandeur of some of the venues in which we played are experiences that I’ll never forget.
To be 14 and playing in a packed Royal Albert Hall at the 1994 Schools Prom was incredible. My parents, grandparents and cousins all came along to see us. I remember walking out on stage to play Berlioz’s Roman Carnival and, of course, Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance No. 1, and wondering where in the crowd they were sitting. Then I saw the huge “HI PHILL” banner that my Nan had made, being waved enthusiastically by my family. I’m pretty sure my face turned the same shade of red as the girls’ skirts.
22 years later I’ll be at the Barbican Centre watching the Winter Concert and I’m sure that feeling of excitement will come flooding back. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Phill Tromans, NCO 1993-1994
Tickets for the Winter Concert on Sunday 11 December are still available to purchase online here. NCO has an exclusive £10 ticket deal for alumni of the orchestras. For more information on how to redeem this offer, please contact Kate.
