Established in 2009 and based at London’s Lyric Hammersmith, Musiko Musika’s ECCO (Ethnic Contemporary Classical Orchestra) is reimagining what a youth orchestra can be. The ECCO is more than an ensemble, it’s a bold musical movement that brings together the rich cultural identities of today’s young musicians and their families. Based on the concept of a classical orchestra but free from its limitations, the ECCO explodes the boundaries of tradition. Its instrumentation, repertoire, and creative approach draw from across the globe, blending genres, heritages, and contemporary influences into something vibrant, powerful, and entirely unique.
What truly sets the ECCO apart is its community. The families are not just supporters — their voices and traditions are woven directly into the fabric of the project, ensuring the orchestra reflects the dynamic diversity of modern London.
The ensemble currently incorporates violin, viola, cello, Kala U Bass, guitar, trumpet, sikus (panpipes), keyboard, tambora costeña, tambora Dominicana, bombo leguero, bombo criollo, cajón, guiro, chajchas, claves, campana, maracas Cubanas, mirdungam, tañador, Native Instruments’ Maschine and Yamaha drum pads.
ECCO @ Lyric
Photo by Harriet Armstrong
ECCO (Saturdays 10.30 - 12.20)
8 - 18 year olds with existing instrumental skills (application for membership by audition)
We rehearse and perform a repertoire of music that encompasses Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America. Performing regularly at the Lyric and elsewhere this is an exciting and dynamic group of experienced young musicians.
If you would like to audition to join the ECCO please use the application form that can be downloaded on this page.
ECCO Young Leaders (Saturdays 13.15 - 15.00)
12 - 18 year olds
The ECCO Young Leaders is an advanced creative and leadership programme for existing members of the ECCO project. The young musicians work as a collective to develop new music and arrangements using music technology and inspired by world music and contemporary culture. Alongside this they use their musical and leadership skills to coach and support younger musicians.
The ECCO is based at the Lyric Hammersmith.
For further information about the ECCO project, our auditions and applications procedure and criteria please email info@musikomusika.org
Completed application forms should be emailed to info@musikomusika.org
Download the application form here: