Come and Play

Come and Play is an opportunity for aspiring amateur musicians of all ages from Grade 3 onwards to come and play with Northern Ireland’s only professional symphony orchestra for a day. Amateur musicians play side-by-side with the Ulster Orchestra musicians, gaining valuable support and encouragement in an afternoon of rehearsals. The day culminates in a showcase concert for family and friends. 
This year’s dates are: 

• Sunday 18th January 2026: Grade 3-6 at Belfast Model School for Girls
• Sunday 8th March 2026: Grade 6-8 at the Ulster Hall, Belfast (kindly supported by Ulster Hall)

The entry fee is £25 and includes admission, printed music posted to your house, an afternoon of guided rehearsals with the Ulster Orchestra and 2 tickets to the evening showcase for family and friends.

General applications are now closed but there is still very limited availability for the following instruments:

• Grade 3-6 viola, oboe, bassoon.
• Grade 6-8 violin, viola, double bass, oboe, bassoon, trombone.

Applications for these instruments will close on Sunday 14 December.

Register here to secure your place: https://forms.office.com/e/UZY9umPBxD

For other enquiries email [email protected] 

Here’s what some of our previous participants had to say:

“This was one of the most exciting and rewarding musical experiences I have ever had the pleasure of taking part in.” – Andrew, cello

“To play with the professional musicians at the Ulster Orchestra and under the amazing conductor Stephen Bell is something I will never forget. I learned so much more than I expected and will remember the musicians that took time to teach things to me today.” – Hannah, violin

“It was a really positive experience, and I had a lot of fun playing alongside the professional musicians!” – Ellen, viola

“Come and Play is an excellent opportunity for all musicians of all ages and abilities to share the stage with a first-class orchestra.” – Kaifu, oboe