Over 800 pupils inspired at NYO schools' concert

"The world's greatest orchestra of teenagers" inspired over 800 pupils from local schools in April 2023.

Two teenagers holding cellos laugh to each other. In the background we see lots of string instruments and players

The National Youth Orchestra's recent school concerts at Saffron Hall were a resounding success!

We welcomed over 800 students aged 10-18 from: Saffron Walden County High School, Edwinstree CofE Middle School, Chesterton Community College, Alec Hunter Academy, Sawston Village College, Linton Village College, and Katherine Semar Junior.

Free tickets for students and teachers allowed schools to bring large groups, with over 400 students from Saffron Walden County High School, and all 180 Y7s from Linton Village College!

For many of the young attendees, this was their first experience with live orchestral music, and the energy and passion of the young musicians left a lasting impact.

The NYO Creative Team and associates continued their visit the following day, visiting five different schools following their concert at Saffron Hall. The focus of these workshops was on devising a creative piece of music based on Stravinsky's Firebird, a theme familiar to students who attended the concert the previous day.

In addition to the workshops, the musicians also delivered impromptu ensemble performances during break times to the wider school communities. These performances ranged from well-known pop hits to classical repertoire, showcasing the range and versatility of the talented musicians. Overall, the visits were a great success and provided valuable opportunities for young people to engage with music in creative and exciting ways.

If you're interested in future schools concerts at Saffron Hall, reach out to info@saffronhall.com to learn more.

Feedback from Teachers

"Wow! Thank you so much for a brilliant afternoon. My Year 10 class have skipped off for the weekend on a high, they really loved it and found it hugely inspiring. We really appreciated the opportunity, thank you!" - Head of music at a local secondary school

"Thank you for inviting us to watch the National Youth Orchestra concert. It was just fantastic and we loved being part of it all" - A Y10 class from another secondary school

Photographer credit: Nick Singleton

Catch NYO again in August

National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain are back in Saffron Hall on 4 August 2023, with free tickets for teenagers! Click the button below to view our event page for more info and to book your tickets.

NYO will be joined by conductor, Carlos Miguel Prieto, and soprano Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha.

The programme will include:
Paul Hindemith
Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes of Carl Maria von Weber
Richard Strauss
Four Last Songs
Aaron Copland
Symphony No.3