Join twenty-five brilliant young disabled and non-disabled musicians for an uplifting classical concert experience combining acoustic, electronic and accessible instruments, including some you may never have heard before such as the Clarion which some musicians play with head movement. Expect bold performances of audience favourites such as Nautilus, Autumn and musicians’ own choice of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. 

They will also share original music that speaks of themes close to their hearts.  Through Elements by award-winning film composer Alexandra Hamilton-Ayres, you will feel the devastating impact of climate change. Ben Lunn’s Wittgenstein’s Chorale carries the orchestra’s message of inclusion, and Soaring Through Sparks by Michael Betteridge, is a beautiful new piece written for the Clarion. 

Enjoy contemporary classical music in a relaxed atmosphere that’s accessible to all including disabled and neurodiverse audiences and young families.

Access information

This is a relaxed performance welcoming of disabled and neurodivergent audiences, families, and anyone else who would benefit from a less formal environment. There is a relaxed attitude to noise and audience members are free to leave and re-enter the concert hall at any point. There will be a Chill Out area outside the concert hall, for anyone needing quiet time before or during the performance. A range of seating options is available for this concert. In our relaxed seating area, you can bring your own yoga mats, cushions or blankets to sit on during the concert (or there will be some bean bags available). Or, you can sit in standard seats or wheelchair spaces if that better suits you. 

Please visit our Access Page for venue access information. 

This concert will be BSL interpreted, with the interpreter positioned on the right side of the stage. 

There will be a Mobiloo situated close to the venue for those who require an accessible changing place. Stewards will be able to direct you to this.

Works and composers

Antonio Vivaldi (arr. Liam Taylor-West, Charlie Groves, Julia Koelmans and Ellen O’Brien The Four Seasons: Autumn
Alexandra Hamilton-Ayres (arr. Doug Bott, Charlie Groves and Rhian Davies) Elements
Anna Meredith (arr. Julia Koelmans and Charlie Groves) Nautilus
Ben Lunn (arr. Charlie Groves, Doug Bott and Ellen O’Brien) Wittgenstein’s Chorale
Michael Betteridge (arr. Doug Bott and Julia Koelmans) Soaring Through Sparks
Ennio Morricone (arr. Julia Koelmans) The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Michael Nyman (arr. Charlie Groves and Ellen O’Brien) Timelapse
A rare kind of joyous celebration often absent from the concert hall
Thoroughly Good Classical Music

In partnership with

The BSO's Bournemouth NOYO Ensemble programme in 2023/24 is generously funded by the Borletti-Buitoni Trust and The Pointer Family Trust.

The National Open Youth Orchestra is generously supported by founding sponsor ABRSM, Arts Council England, Department for Education, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Lightbulb Trust, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, The Rayne Foundation, John James Bristol Foundation, The Radcliffe Trust, D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust and Chapman Charitable Trust.