The orchestra seeks to encourage creative excellence at all levels, be it in the primary classroom or on the concert stage. There are many steps in between where the orchestra's world class musicians can share their skills.

As well as nurturing listeners and audiences of the future, we are building upon our existing development programmes to ensure that those already on a musical pathway are supported to extend and enhance their skills. This not only involves inviting young musiciansto perform alongside the orchestra's professionals in concert and intensive performance courses but will also see the introduction of new schemes responding to specific local and national needs. During 2026 the orchestra has established a new area-wide ensemblein West Yorkshire, for high-achieving young musicians to develop their crafts. Launching in 2026, the ECO's New Horizon's Scheme will recognise the need for instrumentalists to be guided into the role of ensemble and instrumental leaders.

Whilst ECO continually works with the world's best conductors, our reputation as a large, unconducted ensemble remains important and sharing the skills that support this aspect of our work is key.