Upcoming Spring Concerts by National Children’s Orchestras

In April, National Children’s Orchestras, a UK-wide music education charity and leading organisation providing high-quality orchestral training for children, has an exciting programme of concerts in April to nurture and showcase the next musical generation.

Founded in 1978, National Children’s Orchestras brings together nearly 2,000 young musicians annually through residential activities, regional projects, and non-auditioned workshops to foster musical, social, and personal development and provide young budding musicians with the environment and opportunities to flourish and perform to their full potential.

The first of these Spring concerts at Bristol Beacon is Music in Motion on Sunday 5 April, which sees the 12-13 year olds of NCO’s Under 13 Orchestra present the highlights of their first residential of the year. 

After a week of rehearsals, creative workshops, and intensive musical sessions, this concert is a culmination of their hard work, collaboration, and enthusiasm for music. Including rhythmic pieces and extracts from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story, immerse yourself in a vibrant dance-themed display of musical magic from the next generation of musicians.

The following weekend at Bristol Beacon, the 13-14 year olds of NCO’s Under 14 Orchestra will conclude their residential week with an exciting performance of their Cosmic programme on Sunday 12 April. Here, they will be joined by world-renowned organist, presenter, associate artist at the Royal Albert Hall and NCO alumna Anna Lapwood MBE, for a spectacular performance combining orchestra and organ. 

Throughout the residential week, the orchestra will be exploring new ideas, honing their skills, and preparing a programme full of energy and imagination that is sure to impress. Be sure to immerse yourself in the creativity, dedication and excitement of these young performers as they join forces to not only perform but also present alongside a much-loved inspirational star in the music scene. 

Organist, Conductor and Broadcaster Anna Lapwood MBE commented:

“I’m so excited to be joining forces with National Children’s Orchestras for this concert featuring some of my favourite music! I have very fond memories of playing in the NCO as a harpist, and it played a significant role in inspiring me into a career in music. There’s something about playing with a youth orchestra that you just can’t beat; it feels like in every note there is a desire to show just how much young people are capable of achieving.”

Currently touring Europe and Australia, Anna Lapwood MBE has reached audiences far beyond the classical mainstream with her striking blend of musicianship, enthusiasm and charm, and eloquent artistry.

In demand worldwide as concerto soloist and recitalist, she has attracted over two million social media followers and regularly connects with listeners as a presenter on BBC Radio and Television, and Classic FM. Her discography as an exclusive SONY Classical artist continues to grow, most recently with the 2025 release of Firedove, an album of original compositions and works freshly arranged for organ.

In Spring 2025, Anna was included in the annual Sunday Times Young Power List, celebrating the 30 most powerful people under 30 in the UK. A recipient of the Royal Philharmonic Society’s prestigious Gamechanger award, Anna completes her transformational decade as Director of Music at Pembroke College, Cambridge in August 2025 with an all-night BBC Prom at London’s Royal Albert Hall, where she holds the position of Resident Organist.

Earlier this year National Children’s Orchestras announced an ambitious programme of orchestral weeks, weekends and further public concerts in additional locations across Liverpool, Wiltshire and London.

With these public concerts, expanded regional activity, new partnerships and a renewed focus on audience development, 2026 marks a significant moment in NCO’s mission to ensure that more children, regardless of background, can experience the transformative impact of music.