Bournemouth NOYO Ensemble – run by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in partnership with Open Up Music and National Open Youth Orchestra [NOYO] – has a strong ethos of accessibility. The group aims to make every part of being in an ensemble accessible, creating a warm and welcoming environment for young musicians to thrive in. With monthly rehearsals, the ensemble also supports progression routes for those who wish to develop a musical career.

Why NOYO ?

Bournemouth’s NOYO Ensemble and the National Open Youth Orchestra are about shaping a modern orchestra that’s more inclusive. They show that a diverse group of musicians can create exciting new music.

The NOYO sound blends acoustic and electronic instruments, some of which are not usually found in orchestras, such as bass guitar or synthesiser, or the Clarion, an innovative instrument that can be played with any part of the body.

The group performs new music written by cutting-edge composers as well as new arrangements of well-known pieces, reworked for our diverse groups of musicians and instruments.

Bournemouth’s NOYO Ensemble (one of five Regional NOYO Ensembles) is also the pathway to performing with the National Open Youth Orchestra. Once a year, NOYO musicians from all regions can apply to audition for the touring National Open Youth Orchestra for the following year.

Come along to watch Bournemouth NOYO Ensemble in action at our next Open Rehearsal on Saturday 31 January – a great opportunity to find out what it’s all about!

Applications to join Bournemouth NOYO Ensemble will open 14 February – 31 March 2026. For more information, click here.