Teens can see the National Youth Orchestra for free in Liverpool this weekend

Brilliant young musicians from two of the nation’s youth ensembles are coming together to perform Gavin Higgin’s Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra, and teenagers can get free tickets.

Conducted by Jessica Cottis, performances take place on Friday 12 April at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall and on Sunday 14 April at London’s Southbank Centre.

Co-commissioned by The National Youth Orchestra, the Concerto Grosso is celebrated as a jamboree of sound and highlights that both symphony orchestras and brass bands are a living, vital and integral part of British culture.

The second part of the programme sees The National Youth Orchestra embrace the energy of Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5. One of the greatest gestures of musical defiance and hope of all time. Written in 1945, this music looks forward to the future.

The adventure does not stop there – in Liverpool, teenage musicians will be popping up in unexpected places to share extraordinary music across the city; lead workshops and inspire others to play their part and get excited about music.

The National Youth Orchestra and National Youth Brass Band will each perform at the Tung auditorium in Liverpool on Thursday 11 April. The orchestra, under the creative direction of Delia Stevens, will take audiences on a daring musical adventure, with composers whose music is a catalyst to new ideas and creativity; and on Saturday 13 April the NYBB perform Karl Jenkins’ first work for brass band.

And in London prior to the concert, the Clore Ballroom will pulsate with the vibrant energy of Julius Eastman’s creative provocation, Stay on it!

With these young musicians yet to find their limits, audiences will witness unforgettable, unbridled talent. Tickets are free for teens for all of the performances, unlocking the chance for many young people to see an orchestra of their peers live – sometimes for the very first time.