‘Music in Motion’ and ‘Cosmic’: National Children’s Orchestras present two showcase concerts at Bristol Beacon with Anna Lapwood

National Children’s Orchestras (Photo: Paul Blakemore )

Next month, a pair of concerts at Bristol Beacon will showcase the talents of the National Children’s Orchestra (NCO). Music in Motion on Sunday 5 April, sees the 12-13 year olds of NCO’s Under 13 Orchestra present the highlights of their first residential of the year with music from Bernstein’s West Side Story, Khachaturian’s Gayeneh Suite, Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances and works by Arturo Marquez and Perez Prado.

On Sunday 12 April, the 13-14 year olds of NCO’s Under 14 Orchestra will conclude their residential week with a performance of their Cosmic programme where they will be joined by organist (and NCO alumna) Anna Lapwood for music by Richard Strauss, Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Holst, Kristina Arakelyan and John Powell’s music from How to train your dragon!

Founded in 1978, NCO brings together nearly 2,000 young musicians annually through residential activities, regional projects, and non-auditioned workshops to foster musical, social, and personal development and provide young budding musicians with the environment and opportunities to flourish and perform to their full potential.

Earlier this year NCO announced an ambitious programme of orchestral weeks, weekends and further public concerts in additional locations across Liverpool, Wiltshire and London. With these public concerts, expanded regional activity, new partnerships and a renewed focus on audience development, 2026 marks a significant moment in NCO’s mission to ensure that more children, regardless of background, can experience the transformative impact of music.

Full information from NCO’s website.