Come & Play returns for 2026

Our first Come & Play day of the year took place on 18 January at Belfast Model School for Girls, where over 60 amateur musicians at Grades 3-6 level joined the Ulster Orchestra for a day of rehearsals and performance.

The participants rehearsed in their instrument sections, getting guidance from Orchestra musicians, before coming together to rehearse as a full orchestra, conducted by Matthew Quinn.

The day ended with a special showcase concert in front of an audience of family and friends. Our participants performed as part of the Orchestra, side-by-side with our musicians, playing music including Mussorgsky’s A Night on the Bare Mountain, Hans Zimmer’s Earth, and Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries.

The next Come & Play day, for Grade 6-8 participants, will take place in March, kindly supported by the Ulster Hall.

“Playing in an orchestra, in a group together, it just sounds magical.” – Participant

“I can’t stress enough how reassuring the professional musicians are.” – Participant

About Come & Play

Come & 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.

Come & Play days typically take place in January-March, and applications for 2027 will open in the later part of the year. Keep an eye on our social media to find out when applications open.