National Children's Orchestras to perform in Wiltshire

The National Children's Orchestras (NCO) will perform at the Wiltshire Music Centre on August 8.

The concert, titled Spellbound, is part of a series of summer performances by the NCO, showcasing the talents of children aged 11 to 14.

The NCO is known for its dedication to nurturing young musical talent, and this summer's performances are a testament to the hard work and dedication of these young musicians.

The Spellbound concert will feature a mix of orchestral classics and beloved film scores, promising an afternoon of imagination, adventure, and drama.

The programme includes Mussorgsky's Night on a Bare Mountain and Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre, alongside music from popular films and animations such as Beauty and the Beast, Princess Mononoke, Captain Marvel, How to Train Your Dragon, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Sophie Lewis, chief executive of the National Children's Orchestras, said: "These concerts capture everything that makes NCO special.

"They showcase exceptional young musicians, but they are also about creativity, confidence, friendship, and the joy of making music together.

"Whether you're a regular concert-goer, a family looking for something inspiring to do over the summer, or a young musician thinking about what might be possible for you, we'd love people to come along and experience what these remarkable young people can achieve."

Tickets for the concert are priced at £7 for under-18s, students, and people who are currently unwaged, while adult tickets range from £17 to £23.

Children aged five and under can attend for free, and complimentary tickets are available for essential carers.

The NCO's First Experience programme also offers free tickets for children who receive instrumental tuition through a local Music Education Hub and their accompanying adult, although this is only applicable for the Liverpool and Bristol concerts.

The NCO is also currently holding auditions for its 2027 programme.

Young people aged eight to 13 across the UK who play an orchestral instrument are encouraged to apply.

Auditions are free, submitted by video, and close at 9am on July 31.

Through creative orchestral experiences, the NCO empowers young people to uncover the joy of music, build confidence, and develop skills for life.

Nearly 2,000 children take part in NCO activities each year, from auditioned orchestras to non-auditioned workshops, school partnerships, and community initiatives.