Looking Back at EYO Symphony Orchestra 2026

This Summer, Edinburgh Youth Orchestra brought together 99 advanced young musicians aged 11-21, for an exceptional week of rehearsals and performances.

The course brought together musicians from across Scotland from:

•35 schools

•8 universities and colleges

•15 local authorities

•Communities ranging from the Isle of Skye to Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders

Led by acclaimed conductor Natalia Luis-Bassa, with Scottish marimba soloist Calum Huggan, the musicians took part in intensive rehearsals, working with our team of Tutors - some of Scotland/the UK’s finest orchestral musicians and educators.

The course culminated in two sold-out performances at Greyfriars Kirk, held during the opening weekend of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The programme included:

•Gustav Mahler, Symphony No. 1

•Arturo Márquez, Conga del Fuego Nuevo

•Robert Oetomo, Soar: Concerto for Marimba and String Orchestra

The concerts received an exceptional response with one audience member writing, “The maturity in the Mahler was outstanding, and the playing has had such an effect on me I am thinking about it each day.”

However, the value of the course extends well beyond the concerts. It gives young musicians the opportunity to work at a high level, learn from professional musicians, develop their ensemble and leadership skills, and experience the focus and collaboration required to perform major orchestral repertoire.

It also creates connections between young musicians from different parts of the country, helping them build relationships and networks that can continue through further education and into professional life.

Thank you to all the musicians, tutors, pastoral team, staff, volunteers, families, supporters and audiences who made the course possible.