2025 Autumn Course and Concert

Sunday 2 November 2025 - Cadogan Hall, London

The English Schools' Orchestra proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025! Since its inception in 1994, the orchestra has provided talented young musicians from across the UK with the opportunity to perform music of the highest calibre. This year promises to be a landmark event, combining a challenging repertoire with the chance to perform at one of London’s most prestigious venues.

The 2025 course will take place during the half-term week, from Wednesday 29th October to Sunday 2nd November, at the beautiful Woldingham School in Surrey. This marks an exciting new chapter for the orchestra, as we move from Hertfordshire to a more suitable venue where both the day course and residential programme are seamlessly integrated in one location.

Over five intensive days, students will work with a team of professional tutors and experienced mentors, engaging in full orchestral rehearsals, sectional coaching, and individual practice sessions. The week culminates in a spectacular concert on Sunday 2nd November at the renowned Cadogan Hall in London, a venue that has become a favourite for the orchestra over the years.

This year’s repertoire features Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 (Titan), a work of immense power and imagination; Humperdinck’s delightful overture to Hansel and Gretel, which sparkles with fairy-tale charm; and Vasks’s deeply moving Credo, a piece that explores themes of hope and spirituality. Together, these pieces offer students the chance to explore a wide range of musical styles, develop their ensemble skills, and experience the thrill of performing challenging and rewarding works.

The course is primarily residential, providing students with comfortable accommodation, hearty meals, and a vibrant programme of evening activities designed to foster friendships and create a sense of community. While non-residential options are available for local students, we strongly encourage full participation in the residential programme to make the most of this immersive experience.

Participating in the English Schools' Orchestra course is a unique opportunity for young musicians to push their boundaries, build confidence, and create lasting memories. The orchestra’s 30-year history is a testament to its commitment to nurturing talent and inspiring excellence, and this year’s course promises to continue that proud tradition.

Applications for the 2025 course are now open! Students aged 13-18 who are of Grade 8 standard or above are invited to apply. Admission is by online application and teacher recommendation. The course fee is £620 for residential participants, with non-residential pricing available on request. For more information, visit our how to apply page.

Join us for this special anniversary year and be part of a transformative musical experience that celebrates 30 years of excellence in youth music!

2025 Programme

(Click titles for more details)

• Engelbert Humperdinck - Overture from Hansel and Gretel

  Humperdinck’s overture to Hansel and Gretel is a charming blend of fairy-tale magic and Wagnerian richness. Premiered in 1893, it introduces the opera’s key themes, weaving together lyrical melodies and playful motifs that capture the innocence and wonder of the story. The lush orchestration, with its warm harmonies and sparkling textures, creates an enchanting soundscape that delights musicians and audiences alike. This overture offers young musicians the opportunity to explore dynamic contrasts, intricate phrasing, and the expressive storytelling that makes it a timeless favourite.

• Pēteris Vasks - Credo

  Credo by Pēteris Vasks is a deeply moving work that reflects hope and spirituality through music. Composed in 2009, it combines soaring melodies with rich harmonies, creating a powerful emotional journey. The piece balances moments of quiet introspection with dramatic climaxes, challenging musicians to convey its profound depth and intensity. Vasks draws on his Latvian heritage and love of nature, infusing Credo with a sense of renewal and resilience. Performing this piece offers young musicians a chance to connect with its universal themes of faith, hope, and the triumph of the human spirit.

• Gustav Mahler - Symphony no. 1 in D

  Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, "Titan," is a thrilling journey through nature, life, and emotion, making it a perfect centrepiece for the English Schools' Orchestra programme. Composed in 1888, this symphony bursts with youthful energy and imagination. Its sweeping melodies, vivid orchestration, and dramatic contrasts challenge and inspire young musicians. From the serene opening evoking dawn to the triumphant finale, the symphony showcases Mahler’s genius for storytelling through music. Performing this masterpiece offers students the chance to explore rich textures, dynamic interplay, and emotional depth, creating an unforgettable experience in both learning and performance.

Whilst the programme details are published in good faith, the ESO reserves the right to make any necessary changes to repertoire and artists if circumstances require. Such changes shall not be deemed as sufficient reason for any player to withdraw from the course. Refunds of fees are only made if the course does not run.