2026 Autumn Course and Concert

Sunday 1 November 2026 - Milton Court, Barbican Centre, London

The English Schools’ Orchestra (ESO) continues its long-standing tradition of providing outstanding young musicians with the opportunity to perform major symphonic repertoire at the highest level. Bringing together talented players from across the UK, the ESO offers an intensive and inspiring orchestral experience, culminating in a professional concert in one of London’s leading concert halls.

The 2026 course will take place from Wednesday 28 October to Sunday 1 November, during the autumn half-term, and will once again be based at Woldingham School. Following the success of last year's course, both the day course and residential programme will be fully integrated on one site, allowing students to focus entirely on music-making in a supportive and well-resourced environment.

Over five intensive days, students will rehearse with a team of professional orchestral tutors and experienced mentors, taking part in full orchestra rehearsals, sectional coaching, and supervised individual practice. The course culminates in a public concert on Sunday 1 November at 3.00pm at Milton Court, part of the Barbican Centre and home to the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

The 2026 programme presents students with a varied and challenging selection of orchestral works, offering opportunities to develop ensemble skills, musical awareness, and confidence in large-scale symphonic performance. The programme includes Symphony No. 2 in C minor by Alexander Scriabin, Levenszomer by Johan Wagenaar, and Piano Concerto No. 2 by Sergei Rachmaninov. Together, these works provide a balanced programme that allows students to engage with a range of late-Romantic styles while developing their orchestral technique and musicianship.

The course is primarily residential, with students accommodated on site at Woldingham School and provided with all meals throughout the week. The residential programme is a central part of the ESO experience, encouraging independence, collaboration, and friendships with like-minded young musicians. A programme of supervised evening activities complements the musical work and contributes to the strong sense of community for which the orchestra is known.

A limited number of non-residential places are available for local students, although full residential participation is strongly recommended in order to gain the maximum benefit from the course.

Applications for the 2026 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.

Participating in the English Schools’ Orchestra offers young musicians a rare opportunity to work at an advanced orchestral level, perform in a major London venue, and be part of an inspiring musical community. The 2026 course promises to be an intense, rewarding, and memorable experience for all involved.

2026 Programme

(Click titles for more details)

• Symphony No. 2 in C minor – Alexander Scriabin

  Scriabin’s Symphony No. 2 is a richly expressive late-Romantic work, composed between 1901 and 1902, and represents a significant step in the composer’s development as a symphonist. Expansive in scale and emotional range, the symphony combines sweeping melodic writing with dense orchestral textures, offering young musicians the opportunity to engage with sustained symphonic structure and expressive ensemble playing. Across its five movements, the work moves from brooding intensity to moments of lyrical warmth and grandeur, challenging players to develop control, stamina, and a strong sense of orchestral cohesion.

• Levenszomer – Johan Wagenaar

  Levenszomer (Summer of Life), composed in 1910, is a vibrant concert overture by Dutch composer Johan Wagenaar. Full of energy and colour, the work is characterised by bold brass writing, rhythmic vitality, and a confident late-Romantic orchestral style. Its bright contrasts and clear formal structure make it an engaging and rewarding piece for young musicians, providing opportunities to develop precision, balance, and rhythmic clarity while contributing to an exciting and uplifting opening to the programme.

• Piano Concerto No. 2 – Sergei Rachmaninov with Soloist Michael Bostock

  Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2, composed in 1900–01, is one of the most recognisable and admired works in the concerto repertoire. Known for its sweeping melodies and rich orchestral writing, the concerto places significant demands on both soloist and orchestra. For orchestral players, the work offers valuable experience in accompaniment, ensemble awareness, and shaping long lyrical lines while supporting a soloist. Performing this concerto allows students to develop sensitivity, balance, and musical maturity within a collaborative performance setting.

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.

Course Venue - Woldingham School

Nestled in the stunning Surrey countryside, Woldingham School provides an inspiring and tranquil setting for this year’s English Schools’ Orchestra course. Located just 25 minutes from central London by train, the school combines convenience with a picturesque environment, offering students the perfect atmosphere for creativity and focus.

Woldingham boasts state-of-the-art facilities that will enhance the course experience. Students will rehearse in the school’s modern and spacious auditorium, the 630-seat Millennium Theatre which is equipped with excellent acoustics, while sectional rehearsals take place in purpose-built music rooms. The school’s beautiful grounds and well-maintained sports facilities provide plenty of opportunities for relaxation and recreation during breaks.

Residential students will stay in comfortable accommodation on-site, with all meals provided in the school’s dining hall, which serves nutritious and delicious food to keep everyone energized. Evening activities, designed to foster friendships and a sense of community, add to the immersive and enjoyable experience of the course.

Find out more about Woldingham School here.