Tomorrow's Musicians Today

The English Schools’ Orchestra (ESO) brings together talented young musicians from across the UK to perform ambitious orchestral repertoire at a high level. Through its orchestra courses, ESO offers students the opportunity to work intensively with professional tutors and perform in leading concert venues.

ESO’s core activity is its residential orchestra courses, which provide a focused and immersive musical experience. Over an intensive rehearsal period, musicians prepare a carefully chosen programme of symphonic and concerto repertoire, supported by sectional coaching and full orchestral rehearsals. Each course culminates in a public concert, giving students the experience of performing large-scale repertoire in a professional setting.

Beyond the music itself, ESO places strong emphasis on the wider experience. Living and working together creates a supportive musical community, encourages independence, and allows students to form lasting connections with like-minded peers. For many participants, an ESO course represents an important step in their musical development.

Who We Are

This short film offers an insight into life on an ESO course, featuring rehearsals, performances, and reflections from students and tutors. It captures the focus, challenge, and enjoyment that define the ESO experience.

What We Stand For

ESO is committed to challenging young musicians in a supportive and professional environment. Repertoire is selected to stretch players musically and technically, while rehearsals are carefully structured to ensure high standards are achieved through expert guidance and teamwork.

Students work with experienced tutors who bring a wealth of orchestral and educational expertise, helping musicians to develop confidence, musicianship, and ensemble awareness at an advanced level.

Patronage and Support

The English Schools’ Orchestra was founded by Lord Lingfield, who continues to serve as President and remains closely involved in supporting the orchestra’s mission. His vision of aspiration, opportunity, and high standards in music education continues to shape the ESO today.

The orchestra is also supported by a range of individuals and organisations whose contributions help make its work possible, enabling the continued development of its courses, concerts, and educational programmes.

President's Message

The Lord Lingfield DL

It is a great privilege for me to be President of the English Schools' Orchestra, which continues to provide young people from schools all over the country with the opportunity to play superb music and to enchant their audiences.

The ESO is now more than 30 years old. Throughout its existence it has been supported by a number of generous donors. Their generosity has enabled us to provide hundreds of young people with the opportunity to play in a national orchestra of high repute at some first class venues in this country and abroad.

I would like to thank the following kind people and companies for their encouragement and generosity:

President,
English Schools' Orchestra and Choir