NCO launches new participation programme

The National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain has secured funding for a new learning and participation programme.

As part of the new scheme, the NCO will develop partnerships with other organisations in the UK, including music education hubs, centres of advanced training, In Harmony and conservatoires.

The programme will be led by the NCO’s learning and participation manager, Sylvie Campen.

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Funding was secured from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Arts Council England.

By building partnerships with other education centres around the country, the organisation hopes to broaden its recruitment of musicians.

The NCO constitutes five age-banded orchestras and six regional orchestras, and recruits musicians aged 7-14.

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The first event forming part of the new programme will see the NCO perform at the Music for Youth National Festival Fringe on 9 July. Thirty NCO musicians from around the country will perform at the Festival Tent in Centenary Square, Birmingham.

Further collaborations will be announced over the coming months.

Photo: NCO 2013 gala concert © John Mitchell