This is NCO's Projects programme.
The NCO Projects programme is for ages 8-14 and includes two weekends of non-residential, daytime performance-based activities, as well as the 2025 online programme.
"It's given me more confidence in making friends outside of school. I would love to play in more
ensembles and orchestras for many years to come!" NCO Projects Member, aged 9
“(The music) was hard at first but at the end of the second day I was so proud... I loved it. It was really inspiring.” NCO Projects Member, Spring 2022
"NCO Project weekends are a gateway to a lifelong love of music making. The weekends are orchestral, creative and most importantly lots of fun. Put simply, bringing like-minded, aspirational young children together to share great music, is what NCO is all about." Catherine Arlidge, Artistic and Educational Director, NCO
We have four Projects Orchestras currently - bringing together children in different areas of the UK and taking place in the North of England, the Midlands and in London.
Our Projects Orchestras play brilliant music, learning with the support of stellar tutors and conductors as well as playing with amazing guest artists - it's a fantastic opportunity to grow musically and in confidence through playing together as an orchestra and having fun!
You can get the best introduction to what happens in our Projects orchestral weekends by watching our Day in the Life of Projects film above!
The theme and musical programmes for 2025 Projects will be announced here in early 2025.
Joining NCO
Auditions have closed for 2025 and we will soon be releasing auditions results.
See more about joining NCO, including information on auditions, fees and financial support.
