Global Youth Orchestra

The King’s Summer School, Global Youth Orchestra programme offers an extraordinary opportunity for talented young musicians from around the world. This two-week course combines intensive training with performance in a historic setting.

What Is Our Global Youth Orchestra Programme?

Our Global Youth Orchestra is a two-week programme with a focus on orchestral performance, coordination, and skill. It is designed for students aged 12 and above who have reached Grade 8 or higher with their instrument. This programme is for national and international students looking to hone their ensemble skills and experience an orchestral performance at a professional level.

Conducted in our beautiful Canterbury campus, our programme inspires out students with a combination of modern and traditional techniques. Our orchestra provides an immersive musical journey that culminates in a final public concert.

Daily Rehearsals and Coaching

Our global youth orchestra course includes daily rehearsals under the direction of experienced conductors. Sectional coaching is provided by professional musicians who guide students through technical challenges and advanced techniques.

Each rehearsal refines our students’ ability to play as part of an ensemble, promoting communication, co-operation, and co-ordination. Each musical piece is carefully chosen to challenge participants and highlight their musical strengths. Students work together to master complex pieces, all in preparation for a professional-standard performance.

World-Class Music Instruction

Expert instruction requires a world-class musician. This is where Will Bersey, the Head of our Global Youth Orchestra and Director of Music at the King’s School Canterbury, comes in. Leading the Orchestra at The King’s School since 2014, Will is a conservatoire-trained cellist, conductor, and composer. His career spans performance, education, and musical outreach.

Musical Qualifications and Experience

An experienced musician, he studied cello with Lowri Blake at Trinity College of Music, winning awards for both performance and composition and serving as principal cellist of the Symphony and Chamber Orchestras. These chamber music collaborations include performances with the Capriccio String Quartet, Mirrorgame, and Caratinga. He has appeared at major UK venues and festivals including:

Wigmore Hall
The Southbank Centre
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
St James’ Palace
Highgrove
BBC and Channel 4 Broadcasts

Conducting Our Global Youth Orchestra

Will has played an integral part in our programme of choral and instrumental music. This includes regular services in Canterbury Cathedral. His work combines artistic excellence with a deep commitment to nurturing young musicians and building musical communities.

His commitment to musical outreach has led to several celebrated initiatives. This includes the East Kent Children’s Orchestra and, most recently, Sounding Out, a project that provides free instrumental tuition to children in local primary schools. This programme has been widely praised for its impact on access and inclusion in music education. Because of this, The King’s School has been awarded the Talk Education Award for Innovation in Education 2025, with Will nominated for both the Times Educational Supplement (TES) Award and Classic FM Teacher of the Year.

Final Concert Performance

At the end of our two-week programme, the orchestra performs in a public concert at the historic Shirley Hall. This inspiring venue provides the perfect setting for a grand finale. The concert is broadcast live online, allowing family and friends worldwide to share in the experience.

An International Community of Musicians

Our Global Youth Orchestra brings together students from many countries, creating a vibrant cultural exchange. Participants form friendships with like-minded peers who share their passion for music. This supportive community fosters collaboration teamwork, and inspiration both on and off the stage.

Audition and Entry Requirements

Admission to the youth orchestra is based on a two-stage audition process. Students first submit a video performance for initial selection. Those who succeed then complete a second audition. These auditions include a prescribed orchestral excerpt and a quick study.

To maintain high standards, only students with Grade 8 or higher are eligible for admission.

Why Choose the Global Youth Orchestra?

Joining our Global Youth Orchestra at The King’s Summer School helps to strengthen out students’ musical ability, performance, confidence, and ensemble skills. Students learn discipline, focus, and leadership in a professional environment. All, with world-class instruction from our teachers for the best possible learning experience.

Beyond music, it is a great place for like-minded musicians to make friends and meet new and interesting people.

Apply To The Global Youth Orchestra

The Global Youth Orchestra is a unique opportunity to perform at the highest level in a historic setting. This two-week course combines expert coaching, international collaboration, and a world class concert. Apply today to secure your place in this exceptional orchestra experience.

Global Youth Orchestra