Associate Members

The Britten-Pears Orchestra offers an excellent opportunity for emerging young professionl musicians to study with leading conductors and musicians. The Orchestra appears regularly in Festivals in Snape. In 2001 the Orchestra received funding from the Esmee Faibairn Foundation to allow its relaunch. In addition to covering students' costs this new funding provided the opportunity to plan repertory and artists in advance and offers an environment that will best prepare players for orhcestral life. As well as rehearsing programmed works, sessions are given over to training for Education work, specialist-taught sectional rehearsals and opportunities for exploring chamber repertory.

Encompassing a senior music college and Junior Department, Birmingham Conservatoire is at once an international conservatoire, a fully-fledged faculty of the University of Central England and a major concert venue for many of Birmingham’s principal concert promoters and organisations. Offering over 300 concerts and events per year, the Conservatoire’s larger performing resources include a Symphony Orchestra and smaller Sinfonia; two Wind Orchestras and a Wind Ensemble; a Brass Band and Brass Ensemble; a contemporary music group - the Thallein Ensemble; a full Baroque orchestra - Capelle; a Jazz Big Band and Jazz Orchestra; and several Junior ensembles.

EUBO is a bridge between conservatory study and professional life for young specialist instrumentalists from all over the European Union. Membership is renewed annually by competitive audition and in an average year the Orchestra includes musicians from 14 different countries with an average age of 26. Artistic leadership is vested in Music Director Lars Ulrik Mortensen (Denmark) and Director of Studies Margaret Faultless (UK). The spirit of international co-operation and the energy and vitality of the young EUBO musicians give each of the Orchestra’s performances a distinctive profile. EUBO receives funding from the European Commission as an “ambassador to promote European culture”. EUBO’s tours are sponsored by Microsoft and HVB Luxembourg, and the group has been appointed baroque orchestra in residence in the new cultural centre Trifolion in Echternach, Luxembourg.

The European Union Youth Orchestra exists to unite Europe's most talented young musicians under internationally renowned conductors, in an ensemble that transcends cultural, social, economic, religious and political boundaries - all in the common pursuit of musical excellence.

The Orchestra is made up of up to 140 players, representing all 27 EU member countries. The players are selected each year from over 4,000 candidates aged between 14 and 24, who take part in auditions throughout the EU.

Besides its regular European tours, EUYO has also performed in China, Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, India, North and South America and Russia.

Harold Mitchell AO, Chairman

Matthew VanBesien, Managing Director

Tadaaki Otaka Principal Guest Conductor

With a reputation for excellence, versatility and innovation the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is Australia’s internationally-acclaimed and oldest orchestra, founded in 1906. Following integration with the Melbourne Chorale in 2008, the Orchestra now has its own choir – the MSO Chorus. This fine Orchestra is renowned for its performances of the great symphonic masterworks with leading international and Australian artists, as well as hugely-successful performances with popular artists including Elton John, Harry Connick, Jr. Ben Folds, Burt Bacharach, Meat Loaf and KISS. The MSO has received widespread international recognition in overseas tours and in 2007 returned to Europe, visiting the major centres of Madrid, Paris, Berlin and Milan.

The fulfilment of a childhood dream, NCO was founded in 1978 by a visionary music teacher, Vivienne Price, to give musically talented children under the age of fourteen the opportunity of playing together in full, age-banded symphony orchestras. This unique participation enhances their musical education and gives them the essential life experience of living, working and having fun as part of a peer group in safe, supportive surroundings. It is truly inclusive, bringing together children from many social and ethnic backgrounds. There are five national and four regional orchestras under the NCO aegis; in all, over 500 dedicated young musicians.

The National Youth Orchestra of Wales has the distinction of being the first national youth orchestra in the world. It combines traditional expectations with a contemporary outlook, develops a first-class training experience into performances that are full of energy and passion, and is not afraid to challenge audiences with a repertoire that is bold and adventurous. It is a flagship of youth music in Wales.

From our young years project working with primary school children to our senior ensembles, working on the most complex scores, NYOS provides a world-class learning experience to young Scottish musicians of all ages. Through our eight performing ensembles and various training courses and workshops, we are unique within Europe in providing a breadth of experience in both classical and jazz music for all of our students. NYOS students are proud and excited to be playing with Scotland’s National Youth Orchestras and we are passionate about supporting and developing their talent.

The Royal Academy of Music, Britain's senior conservatoire, has prepared musicians for successful and evolving careers since 1822. Students study varied programmes including instrumental performance, composition, jazz, musical theatre and opera, gaining University of London degrees from undergraduate (Bmus) to PhD level.

The Academy's student community is truly international, with over 50 countries represented. Distinguished musicians who studied at the Academy include Sir Harrison Birtwistle, John Dankworth, Lesley Garrett, Evelyn Glennie, Sir Elton John, Dame Felicity Lott, Joanna MacGregor, Michael Nyman, Sir Simon Rattle and Jean Rigby.

The Academy's free 'living' museum is open seven days a week and includes Academy Chimes, a well-stocked music shop.

The Royal College of Music, London enjoys a worldwide reputation as a conservatoire where performers, conductors and composers are trained to the highest international standard. Situated in the heart of South Kensington's cultural family, the RCM is adjacent to the Royal Albert Hall, Imperial College London, the Royal College of Art, the V&A and the Natural History Museum.

Whatever your specialism across drama, music, dance or your own personal performance – the ability to raise your game when it really counts – will be crucial in your future artistic and professional journey. Come to the Academy and that is precisely what we will help you achieve – the standards of quality that this 21st century conservatoire is all about.

We are warm and welcoming and we pride ourselves on offering our students a truly individualised experience in a supportive yet challenging environment, underpinned by superb facilities.

The RNCM trains the orchestral musicians and conductors of the future and its alumni are to be found in orchestras across the UK and further afield. It is also a major arts venue, hosting performances by the BBC Philharmonic, Manchester Camerata and others.

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance is a leading provider of innovative music and contemporary dance training. Its creative and cosmopolitan community of performers, composers, choreographers, teaching staff and researchers builds on the Conservatoire’s unique heritage whilst embracing the new, the experimental and the unexpected. Trinity Laban’s aim is to advance the art forms of music and dance and develop the artistic leaders of the future. Music students are based on the stunning Old Royal Naval College site in Greenwich – a World Heritage Site. Trinity Laban is known for its excellent training, its vibrant programme of performances and festivals, and its groundbreaking education, community and social inclusion work.