NCO Appoints New Chair of Trustees
5th February 2026
NCO Main Orchestra rehearse and perform at The Beacon in Bristol (Credit: Vernon Nash)
The National Children’s Orchestra (NCO), a leading force in youth music education in the UK, has announced the appointment of a new Chair as part of its ongoing mission to nurture young musical talent. Each year, NCO engages around 2,000 children aged 8 to 14 in both auditioned and non-auditioned programs, including orchestral weeks, weekend courses, one-day workshops, and exciting concerts. With nearly five decades of experience, the NCO remains dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians nationwide.
Outgoing Chair Louise Mitchell CBE will retire in May 2026, passing leadership of the National Children’s Orchestra to Michael Eakin.
Michael Eakin, incoming Chair of the NCO Board of trustees commented:
‘I am delighted to succeed Louise Mitchell as Chair of National Children’s Orchestras. This brilliant organisation plays a critical role in involving young people from across our communities in orchestral music and in developing their creativity and their musical skill. No work is more important in ensuring the continued future success and relevance of orchestral music in our society, and I am looking forward to working with the great NCO team to help the organisation fulfil its crucial role in this endeavour.’
Louise Mitchell CBE, outgoing Chair of the NCO board of trustees, commented:
‘I’ve been very proud to Chair NCO over the last 6 years. It has been a really joyful and rewarding way of helping the next generation of musicians. I’ve very much enjoyed helping to guide the dedicated staff team and our diverse team of volunteer trustees. I will continue to help NCO whenever I can and am absolutely delighted that the brilliant Michael Eakin has agreed to take over. I’m sure that the NCO will continue to develop and thrive under his leadership.’
Looking ahead to 2026, the NCO is set to deliver an ambitious lineup of orchestral weeks, weekend events, and public concerts in major cities, including Liverpool, Bristol, Portsmouth, and London. With six public concerts, an expanded regional presence, new strategic partnerships, and a strong focus on audience engagement, this milestone year underscores NCO’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. NCO’s outreach initiatives also actively encourage participation from children in underrepresented and disadvantaged communities, while collaborations with local schools and community partners help break down barriers to music education and foster a welcoming environment for all.
