We were thrilled to find out that three Trinity students have been selected for the National Youth Orchestra (NYO) 2025-26. Congratulations to Fourth Year Ollie, Lower Sixth Nathan, and Upper Sixth Leo on this remarkable achievement.
The NYO is the world’s largest orchestra of teenagers and brings together 160 exceptional young musicians from across the UK, so it is fantastic that three from Trinity will be joining this year. As part of the course, members take part in intensive residencies, tours, and performances at world-class venues including the BBC Proms. It is an extraordinary opportunity for young musicians to challenge themselves, grow, and connect with others who share their passion for music.
Ollie has been playing violin for almost 11 years and won the Trinity Musician of the Year Competition in 2024. He is involved in chamber groups, Symphony Orchestra and the elite Trinity Soloists and travelled to Belgium during the summer for a professional tour. For him, joining the NYO is about “making music with people my age who are like-minded… it’s such high quality, it’s really exciting to be able to play in an orchestra of that standard. At Trinity, you’re given lots of opportunities to grow as a musician and experience different ways of playing with different groups and venues.”
Nathan, who has been playing oboe for seven years and is a member of Symphony Orchestra and the Wind Quintet at Trinity, described the audition process as supportive and inspiring. “They make it really relaxing – you’re there for the whole day doing activities, so it’s not about one moment, it’s about who you are as a musician. When I got the email, I was looking for the catch… I couldn’t believe it.” For him music is a lot of things, “It’s a motivator, a destressor, it can be whatever you want it to be at different times. I like classical music, and I really like video games soundtracks.”
Leo, a bassoonist, is returning to the NYO for a second year. He reflected on the value of the experience last year. “I really enjoyed the first year so much, not only musically but socially. Everyone is so like-minded and supportive. I was more nervous waiting for the results this time, as I had more to lose, but I’m really excited to be doing it again. It’s a big commitment, but completely worth it. There is a lot going on this year, I am looking forward to Jazz Club in October, singing in Germany before Christmas, the NYO courses and playing the BBC Proms again and I also have to fit in my A Levels. I am hoping to go to Cambridge to read Music, as you don’t have to narrow down straight away.”
At Trinity, both inside and outside the classroom, music is about more than performance. It is about finding your voice, working together, and striving for excellence while supporting each other as a community. We are incredibly proud of Ollie, Nathan, and Leo, and we cannot wait to follow their journey with the NYO this year.
For more information on Trinity Music, please see the departmental webpage.
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