ICO Youth Musicians Take the Next Step
Seven ICO Youth Musicians Earn Places in National Youth Orchestra of Ireland and Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland
Seven young musicians from ICO Youth are taking an exciting next step in their musical journeys, having earned places in the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland (NYOI) and the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland (CBOI).
Molly (Double Bass) and Max (Cello) have been selected to join NYOI, performing alongside some of Ireland's most talented young musicians following a highly competitive audition process. Mark (Double Bass), Aoife and Robert (Viola) have also earned places as reserve players.
The achievements continue with the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland, where Mark (Double Bass), Max (Cello), Oscar (Violin) and Darragh (Piano) have all been selected to perform alongside gifted young musicians from across the island of Ireland, bringing together musical talent from both sides of a shared island.
“We are so excited for the gang, this is a marvelous opportunity for them to develop musically and make friends for life. This remarkable achievement demonstrates the commitment, passion and dedication that these young people have towards music and reaching their goals. Here at ICO we are so proud to have witnessed these wonderful young musicians grow and flourish. Well done everyone, you are just brilliant!”
These achievements are a wonderful testament to the talent, commitment and enthusiasm of the young musicians, and a proud moment for the ICO Youth community. There is a special connection between NYOI and the Irish Chamber Orchestra, too. Many musicians who now perform with ICO began their own musical journeys as members of NYOI. For longtime ICO Double Bass player Malachy Robinson, those formative experiences remain vivid:
"My time in the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland was absolutely transformative. Exposed to our European orchestral heritage, we realised that we were legitimate heirs, advocates and custodians... I can vividly recall the goosebumps of those heady sessions, the heightened teenage joy of it all, the camaraderie and the adventure."
To see the next generation of young musicians embarking on similar experiences is a proud moment for the ICO community, and a reminder of the connections that music can create across generations.
The seven musicians' success comes during a period of growing participation across ICO's youth and community programmes. More than 600 young people now take part in ICO activities each week, with ICO Youth growing to 42 members in 2026.
Behind those numbers are young people discovering the joy of playing together, building confidence and finding their place in a musical community. These achievements offer a glimpse of where that journey can lead, and of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for the next generation of musicians.
