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National Youth Orchestra of Ireland

Ireland's leading youth ensemble, the National Youth Orchestra aims to be a cultural beacon, acting as the pinnacle of orchestral experience for both members and the wider community.

Our mission is to nurture young orchestral musicians, enabling them to reach their full potential by providing exceptional education and performance opportunities in the full symphonic repertoire.

Our Values

Excellence

Excellence in realising the creativity and artistry of our members.

Collaboration

Collaboration, participation, and equal access to musical training and experiences of the highest calibre for young musicians across all parts of Ireland.

Responsibility

Responsibility in our approach to the care and nurture of young musicians.

Our History

The beginning

Olive Smith

In the summer of 1970 Olive Smith brought together 63 musicians aged 14-20 from all parts of Ireland for a residential course in County Wicklow. Hugh Maguire accepted the role of Musical Director and Conductor, and the orchestra grew and flourished with members coming from all over Ireland.

“Yesterday was a proud day for Ógra Ceoil when it launched after only eighteen months, the new Irish Youth Orchestra. Indeed, it was a thrilling occasion for everyone in the hall and it was fitting and pleasant that the Taoiseach led the standing ovation at the end.” – The Irish Times, January 1972.

Today

Growing Strong

Since it convened its first course in 1970, the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland has involved nearly 5,000 young artists in orchestral performance of full symphonic repertoire. For over 50 years, it has provided training and orchestral opportunities of the highest calibre to exceptional Irish musicians, and performed concerts across the country and internationally; from the Symphony Hall in Boston, Avery Fisher Hall in New York and the Kennedy Centre in Washington, to The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Konzerthaus Berlin and across Europe, the USA and Asia.

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    The Patron of the Orchestra

    Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland

    Message from President Michael D. Higgins

    “Mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, may I say how proud I am to be patron of the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, an organisation which nurtures creativity among our young people, something that is very close to my heart and to the vision of my Presidency through the ‘Samhlaíocht agus An Náisiún’, ‘Imagination and the Nation’ initiative.”

    Click here to read the full statement
    President Higgins official photograph
    “

    What's so magical about being a member of the NYOI is that we are all very different people - we have different values, different interests, we come from different backgrounds and we're all in different stages of our musical journey. The joy and excitement of playing together fills the room in a way that is so strong it's almost tangible; what starts as playing with a hundred strangers suddenly becomes playing as one, as if we have been lifelong friends. Being in the orchestra has taught me so much about my own playing; how to adapt, how to follow, how to lead. Most importantly, it has shown me new ways to love music, given me a place where I feel at home, and offered me moments of sheer joy, moments that I will never forget and will appreciate for the rest of my life.

    Daimée NgMember, NYOI 2024
    “

    NYOI has historically set a standard in bringing together the best young musicians across the island and creating excellent performing opportunities for them. The training, guidance and inspiration that the courses provide undoubtedly bring them closer to a professional standard.
    NYOI is the national leader in granting these opportunities and providing educational value for young musicians leading to a professional path, and as such it must be cherished.

    Joe CsibiGeneral Manager, RTÉ Concert Orchestra
    “

    For me, the experience of playing in the NYOI was transformational. It redefined my understanding of music, showed me what was possible from collective effort at a very high level, and allowed me to see beyond myself to broader horizons. Today as I look around the orchestra pit at Irish National Opera, I can trace back the skill, enthusiasm, dedication and achievements of the majority of our orchestra and can see directly how the NYOI influenced and propelled so many of us at a crucial stage in our lives.

    Fergus ShielArtistic Director, Irish National Opera
    “

    Challenging young musicians with masterworks must continue. As I near the end of a long career in music in Ireland, I have worked with generations of members of the NYOI. The NYO provided for them, also, a unique pathway into the professional business by providing them with the opportunity to perform major orchestral works such as Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring and Richard Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben under some wonderful conductors. Apart from just musical concerns, the youth orchestra provides a unique opportunity to develop life-long friendships and alliances. In a small music world, these links are invaluable.

    Gerry KeenanCEO, Irish Chamber Orchestra
    “

    The NYOI is a flagship national ensemble that gives Ireland's young musicians the opportunity to represent our nation at the highest level. This ensemble is vital to the ecosystem of Irish musical life, and I hope that it will continue to be an inspiration into the future.

    Deborah KelleherDirector, Royal Irish Academy of Music
    “

    Youth orchestras are at the centre of a musical and social ecosystem; not just offering the privilege of performing some of the great orchestral masterworks of our times, but also offering a framework for forging friendships and experiences which can transform young lives in the most positive way.

    Donagh CollinsChief Executive, Askonas Holt & Opus 3 Artists. Interim Chair, NYO Great Britain
    “

    The NYOI is among our most valuable national treasures. Unlike the treasures in museums, though, this asset is constantly changing, constantly growing, constantly improving

    Declan TownsendIrish Examiner (2005)
    “

    We’re like a family.

    Sinead O’HalloranCello (2011)
    “

    I not only reunited with old friends, but also made many new ones. It is rare to be in a situation surrounded by so many like minded people in such an open atmosphere - it was a tonic for the soul.

    Brid CannonViolin (2010)
    “

    Receiving [a scholarship] made all the hours of personal practice at home worthwhile…

    Clara Daly-DonnellanTrombone, Aged 14
    “

    To have been awarded a scholarship this year was an incredible honour for me… thanks to the generosity of the NYOI Friends who even in these tough times find the funds to help me and the other young musicians of today…

    Lukas O'BrienNYOI scholarship recipient