English Schools Orchestra

English Schools Orchestra The English Schools Orchestra, founded in 1994, provides the opportunity for talented young orchestr Find us at www.englishschoolsorchestra.org

The English Schools Orchestra and Choir, founded in 1994, exists to provide the opportunity for talented young orchestral musicians and singers, still in full time education, to meet and perform with other similarly talented young people from all over the country.

🎻 Now recruiting: ESO Mentor Scheme 2026Final-year and postgraduate orchestral musicians — develop your teaching and lea...
05/05/2026

🎻 Now recruiting: ESO Mentor Scheme 2026
Final-year and postgraduate orchestral musicians — develop your teaching and leadership skills alongside Britain's most talented young players.

Mentors work within sections during rehearsals at our residential course, supporting and inspiring 13–18 year-olds. The week culminates in a public concert at Milton Court, Barbican Centre.

📅 28 October – 1 November 2026
đź“Ť Woldingham School, Surrey
🎼 Final concert: Milton Court, Barbican
đź’· ÂŁ90 per day plus meals
đź“ť Apply by 30 June 2026 (tutor recommendation required)

englishschoolsorchestra.org/courses/mentor.php

ENGLISH SCHOOLS' ORCHESTRA Annual Course 2026SPACES FILLING FAST — APPLY BEFORE 30 JUNE 2026Is your young musician aged ...
15/04/2026

ENGLISH SCHOOLS' ORCHESTRA Annual Course 2026
SPACES FILLING FAST — APPLY BEFORE 30 JUNE 2026

Is your young musician aged 13–18 at Grade 8 or above? This is one of the most exciting opportunities in the UK school music calendar — a residential orchestral course culminating in a concert at the prestigious Milton Court, London on 1st November.

WHY ESO?
Perform at Milton Court Concert Hall, Barbican — a world-class London venue
Work with professional conductors and coaches in intensive daily rehearsals
Immersive 5-day residential experience — music, community, friendships
Tackle ambitious, full-scale orchestral repertoire
A genuine CV highlight for music college and university applications
Meet like-minded young musicians from schools across England

THIS YEAR'S REPERTOIRE
🎹 Rachmaninov — Piano Concerto No. 2, op. 18
🎼 Scriabin — Symphony No. 2, op. 29
🎻 Wagenaar — Levenszomer, op. 21

⚠️ Please note: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and places are going quickly. Trumpet and clarinet sections are now full. Spaces remain in all other sections — but we'd encourage early application to avoid disappointment.

Apply online at
www.englishschoolsorchestra.org

🎻 Orchestra places are now open! Check your inbox — offers are going out now. We're oversubscribed for clarinet and trum...
14/04/2026

🎻 Orchestra places are now open!

Check your inbox — offers are going out now. We're oversubscribed for clarinet and trumpet, but all other instruments are welcome until 30th June. Offers are made on a rolling basis, so apply soon! We can't wait to welcome all our new and returning members in October. Spread the word 🎶

www.englishschoolsorchestra.org

Applications are now OPEN ✨Find your people, grow your sound, and be part of something unforgettable. 🎻
28/03/2026

Applications are now OPEN ✨
Find your people, grow your sound, and be part of something unforgettable. 🎻

21/03/2026

What is the learning experience like at English Schools’ Orchestra? 🎶

Sectionals that push you further.
Tutors who challenge you.
Being surrounded by musicians who inspire you to play better every day.

A supportive environment where everyone is here to grow — together.

Hear it from the students, tutors, mentors and staff who live it.

Applications are now open.
Link in bio.

Full orchestra rehearsal at the 2025 course 🎻Applications for ESO 2026 are now open — apply via the website.
09/03/2026

Full orchestra rehearsal at the 2025 course 🎻

Applications for ESO 2026 are now open — apply via the website.

🌟 We’re back — and ESO 2026 applications are now open! 🌟We’re thrilled to launch this year’s course, and even more excit...
23/02/2026

🌟 We’re back — and ESO 2026 applications are now open! 🌟

We’re thrilled to launch this year’s course, and even more excited to announce that for the first time ever, ESO will perform at Milton Court, Guildhall School’s premier concert hall.

Join us for an inspiring week of music‑making at Woldingham School, finishing with a spectacular concert in our brand‑new London venue.

🎶 For young musicians aged 13–18, Grade 8+
📅 28 Oct – 1 Nov 2026
đź“Ť Concert: Milton Court, London

👉 Apply via our website: https://englishschoolsorchestra.org/courses/2026.php

Existing members get priority until 12th April, after which time we consider all applications. Deadline 30th June. Early application advised as offers are made on a rolling basis.

20/02/2026

What's it like to attend an English Schools' Orchestra course?

🎻 The English Schools’ Orchestra is back — and we’re getting ready to launch ESO 2026. This year’s concert will take pla...
05/02/2026

🎻 The English Schools’ Orchestra is back — and we’re getting ready to launch ESO 2026. This year’s concert will take place at Milton Court Concert Hall, part of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and the Barbican. With its exceptional acoustics and striking modern design, it’s an inspiring new stage for our young musicians.
The course will once again be held at Woldingham School, with the final concert on Sunday 1st November at Milton Court. Applications will open soon for players aged 13–18 at Grade 8 standard or above.
More details, repertoire news, and behind‑the‑scenes updates are coming soon — it’s good to be back.

🎼 Final Spotlight: Lewis Gaston, Our Conductor! ✨From the very first rehearsal to the final note at Cadogan Hall, Lewis ...
18/11/2025

🎼 Final Spotlight: Lewis Gaston, Our Conductor! ✨

From the very first rehearsal to the final note at Cadogan Hall, Lewis Gaston led the English Schools Orchestra with his unmistakable blend of clarity, high expectations, dry humour, and absolute dedication to young musicians.

A conductor’s influence goes far beyond the concert itself — and Lewis is proof of that. Throughout the rehearsal process he shaped the sound, guided the interpretation, and pushed every player to think, listen, and perform like true orchestral musicians. His gestures brought precision, his calm authority brought confidence, and his perfectly timed moments of wit kept the atmosphere grounded and human.

💬 Now it’s your turn!
Share your favourite captions or comments for Lewis below — whether it’s a memorable rehearsal moment, a classic deadpan remark, or simply appreciation for his leadership. Let’s celebrate the impact he has on our young musicians.

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