NCO updates on plans for the 2020 programme

This week, the NCO board took the difficult decision to cancel all remaining activity for 2020 in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. NCO’s priority has always been the health and well-being of all children and staff. With social distancing measures look set to be with us for many months to come, we have been forced to concede that we cannot make them work in either an orchestral or residential setting.

We are committed to supporting all children and their families who were due to be part of our NCO community this year and have therefore taken the decision to freeze our 2020 membership and roll it over to 2021.  We may need to hold auditions to fill spaces in our youngest orchestra (aged 7-9), and there may be other opportunities to audition for spaces across all ages too. That will depend on how many of our current members are able to stay with us next year. Any changes will also be communicated to the auditions mailing list which you can sign up for here.

In the meantime, we are consulting widely with children, parents and staff to inform a brand new 2020 digital membership available for all national and associate members. Our aim is to continue to support orchestral learning, creativity, wellbeing and sense of belonging until we can meet in person again.

 Please note that the NCO office remains closed, but you may get in contact with the team here.