Guildhall Young Artists Norwich & the Norfolk County Youth Orchestra
Guildhall Young Artists Norwich is proud to partner with Norfolk County Youth Orchestra (NCYO). The orchestra, which welcomes up to 85 members from age 11–18, meets to put on training courses twice a year, where young musicians get to work with industry professionals and develop skills in preparation for a public concert.
About Norfolk County Youth Orchestra
Guildhall Young Artists Norwich is proud to partner with the Norfolk County Youth Orchestra (NCYO). The orchestra welcomes up to 85 members from age 11 – 18 and meets to put on training courses twice a year, where young musicians get to work with industry professionals and develop skills in preparation for a public concert. Courses take place during the spring and autumn half-term, usually over a period of four to five days.
This unique experience gives members of Guildhall Young Artists Norwich an opportunity to develop their performance skills, build confidence and meet other musicians from all over Norfolk.
Founded in 1959 to provide gifted young musicians in Norfolk the opportunity to develop their skills and gain performing experience, NCYO is funded by The Friends of Norfolk County Youth Orchestra, an independent charity which provides financial support through bursaries, to support young musicians who want to attend an NCYO course.
Easter Course 2023
3rd, 4th, 5th April 2023, 9.30am – 5.30pm – Day course at Gresham’s School (Transport from Norwich provided)
6th April 2023 – 1.30pm rehearsal, 7.30pm – Concert at Alive Corn Exchange, King’s Lynn.
Cost – £270.00 per student
Concert Programme
Alexander Rudd a world premiere commissioned by NCYO
John Williams Theme from Schindler’s List
Arthur Bliss Suite from ‘Things to Come’
Malcolm Arnold Symphony no.4
Conductor Andrew Morley
Our next course is planned for October 2023.
If you would like to receive further information please register your interest here.
The next NCYO course is planned for October 2023. Players should be of approximately Grade 6 standard. If you are interested in applying, please register your interest here.
All rehearsal and concert dates planned for 2022 -23 are available on the NCYO Calendar 2022/23
Membership of NCYO will be subject to a successful audition.
All rehearsal and concert dates planned for 2022 -23 are available on the NCYO Calendar 2022/23
NCYO bursary awards are means tested and open to all NCYO students who can demonstrate
real financial need.
NCYO students are supported by the Friends of Norfolk County Youth Orchestra. Bursaries are awarded on a means-tested basis, and any student living in a household with a residual income of less that £60,000* may apply.
*The residual household income is the total gross taxable income from the household, reducing that by the amount of Private Pension Plans, AVC’s, or other taxable allowances which is then further reduced by £1,130 for each child/student in the household who are financially dependent on the family.
To apply for a FNCYO bursary please complete the online bursary application form.
All bursary applications will be considered in strict confidence and with reference to the strict criteria for bursary funding.
Adrian James are delighted to offer 4 scholarships of £250 to members of Norfolk County Youth Orchestra. The scholarships are offered to nurture outstanding and very promising students for the current academic year (September 2022 - July 2023).
Friends of Norfolk County Youth Orchestra
The Friends of Norfolk County Youth Orchestra is an independent charity. It was set up to foster and develop musical skills and opportunities for all Norfolk County Youth Orchestra players – especially those in greatest need of support.
It has also been the main source of financial support for the orchestra since 2019, heavily subsidising costs and supporting individual students with a bursary scheme.
Run by a group of volunteer trustees, any funds raised go directly to helping young musicians who would otherwise be unable to continue their passion and progress within music.
The Friends are vital and without them the NCYO would not be viable which is why the trust continues to seek support and donations to continue its work.
Support can come in many ways. It may be a small, personal donation or a business partnership. We are also keen to engage with organisations who are passionate about music and children’s development and who might be interested in running their own Friends fund-raising event or linking their brand with us.
You can support our work today by making an online donation or find out more ways that you can help to make a difference by visiting Supporting Us.
Robert Rickard (Chair)
Ben Lowe (Treasurer)
Dr Andrea Blanchflower (Secretary)
Zannie Fraser (Fundraiser)
Dr Jo Lowe (Vice-Chair)
Chrissie Owens (Communications)
Lynne Roberts (Orchestra Liaison)
Supporting Norfolk County Youth Orchestra
Everything we do, whether on the concert platform or in the community, is made possible by a network of generous individuals and organisations.
Our generous supporters subsidise course fees and help pay for rehearsal and concert venues. They fund tutors, music hire and bursaries as well as provide much-needed financial support for young musicians.
Our goal is to ensure that not a single young musician misses out on the opportunity to take part in the Norfolk County Youth Orchestra (NCYO). It’s important to us to make certain that funding is in place to subsidise running costs and help young people who need a bursary.
For more information on any of our fundraising activities please contact:
Friends Secretary at friendssectary@ncyo.org.uk
This group is an important community at the heart of the NCYO. Join us and become part of our family of supporters. Your annual donation of £25 will help to enable talented and aspiring young musicians in Norfolk.
Every donation is vital, however small, because every penny goes towards helping the NCYO. This may be paid in three ways:
Through your Bank to: Barclays, Friends of Norfolk County Youth Orchestra, Sort Code: 20-45-45 Account No: 20943312 .
What better way to celebrate your love of music, ensure that young musicians of the future will be able enjoy the NCYO.
We recommend you speak to your solicitor about leaving a gift to The Friends of the Norfolk County Youth Orchestra in your will. If this is something you would like to do, let your solicitor have our charity number, 1123478. Registered address: 7 Osborne Avenue, Great Yarmouth NR30 4EE.
We value the fundraising efforts of our generous supporters. So why not run a coffee morning, have a quiz or put on a concert in a church?
Trusts and foundations make a real difference by helping us raise the funds necessary to continue delivering a wider cultural value and legacy as the UK’s leading youth orchestra.