National Youth Orchestra of Ireland
Ireland’s leading youth ensemble, the National Youth Orchestra stands at the pinnacle of orchestral playing for young musicians across the island.
Championing full symphonic repertoire, the orchestra offers residencies, performance tours, masterclasses, and orchestral training of the highest calibre.
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.
Stay up to date and never miss out.
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.”
