Big Give: Double your donation this spring with our Arts for Impact campaign!

Together, we can make a difference.

We’re delighted to share that from now until 12pm on 26 March 2024, you can make an even bigger impact on the lives of the young musicians Orchestras for All (OFA) supports by donating to our Big Give Arts for Impact campaign – with every single donation doubled!

Music can be transformative for young people’s education, development and wellbeing, but not everyone feels included in or able to access existing musical opportunities. While we are so proud to have encouraged and inspired 8,000 young people, 35 schools and more than 300 teachers over the past year, there are many other young people who could benefit from OFA’s vital work. 

National Orchestra for All alum, Tianci, told us: “Here it doesn’t matter if you’re disabled because you can still play music. You can be in a wheelchair and still play the trumpet or the clarinet. You could have a stammer and still play the violin because music is like a new language. It’s a language we can all communicate by.”

We’ve set a fundraising target of £10,000 for our spring campaign and now, we need your help. As a charity, we rely on donations to deliver OFA’s inclusive music-making programmes, which aim to empower young people from the most isolated, vulnerable and marginalised groups to embark on their music-making journey with us.

Read more: Orchestras for All’s powerful impact report >

By donating to our Big Give campaign, you’ll be instrumental in helping us to hit our target and reach 1,000 more young people nationwide who can explore their creativity through music – and with every pound donated being doubled, there’s no better time to join our vibrant network of supporters.

National Orchestra for All alum and current Trustee, Chloe, said: “People should donate to Orchestras for All because it’s absolutely life-changing – and it’s definitely changed my life. It’s shaped the way that I think and how I interact with music, especially orchestral music. Now, music is a huge part of my life and my identity.”

While every donation, big or small, is always gratefully received, we know that times are tough and not everyone can support our work financially. You can also help us by: 

• Following OFA on social media and sharing our campaign content 

• Telling your friends, family and colleagues about our charity 

• Subscribing to our newsletter

Thank you so much. Every penny counts and will make our goal of raising £10,000 achievable. It only takes a minute to donate or share our campaign, so do get involved and let’s continue to break down those musical barriers!

Over £18,000 raised for aspiring young musicians after members of the public perform together for the first time

“It was the best day of my year, if not years!”

Orchestras for All (OFA) is delighted to share that its winter fundraiser, Musical Chairs 2022, has raised £18,101.20 for young people engaged in its life-changing programmes, who would otherwise struggle to access musical opportunities due to the daily barriers they face.

Hosted last month at Westminster School, London, the inclusive event welcomed a diverse cohort of all ages, skillsets and backgrounds, who played together as an orchestra for the very first time – with many also picking up a new instrument for the first time. They were led by OFA’s Artistic Director and conductor, Emma Oliver-Trend, and supported by a friendly team of orchestral tutors, alumni and National Orchestra for All members – all kindly volunteering their time on the day.

After spending the morning rehearsing an eclectic programme of repertoire – including ‘Allegro’, taken from Alice Mary Smith’s Symphony in A minor, and Romanian folk tune, ‘Spoitoresa’ – attendees performed together live in concert for an audience at the school.

Ten-year-old participant, Mahi, said: “My piano teacher told me about Musical Chairs. I thought it sounded fun and it was for a good cause, so I played the flute. I enjoyed meeting new people and the challenge of making new pieces sound perfect in one day. Everyone should have the chance to do this because you can express yourself musically.”

Her father, Ketan, also joined the ensemble. He told us: “I signed up Mahi and was gratified to be asked to join the percussion section when we showed up – it was touching that the volunteers cheerily thought I could contribute too, so I was on the tambourine and congas (having never played them before!).”

Read more: Vulnerable young musicians supported nationwide as Orchestras for All secures new Arts Council England funding >

Pictured: Ten-year-old participant, Mahi, plays the flute with the Musical Chairs 2022 orchestra

Ketan continued: “I enjoyed discovering a new musical ability, being encouraged to dive in without thinking too much and producing a workable sound despite having no experience whatsoever. Nervousness evaporated quickly with tutor Andre’s strong support, teaching and confidence that we could do it without fuss. I was quite happy to tell anyone who’d listen at the end of the concert that it was the best day of my year, if not years! The volunteers were kind and helpful and Emma was encouraging throughout.”

As part of the fundraising concert, audience members also heard first-hand accounts from those who have benefitted from OFA’s work – including young trustee, Chloe Morgan, National Orchestra for All (NOFA) trumpeter, Tashan, and fellow NOFA trumpeter, Cameron, who gave a heartfelt speech alongside his mother, Polly.

Read more: Meet Orchestras for All’s barrier-smashing new trustees! >

Ketan said: “Without music and music-making, we are lost and really cannot thrive in any other parts of our lives. OFA‘s mission to break down barriers for young people is essential for opening doors in music and other areas of their potential. During the concert, it was touching to hear some of them tell the audience how OFA has transformed their lives. Young people are among the wisest people I come across, since they are not completely conditioned as yet to see life as a glass half empty – their clarity and honesty is compelling.

“I am mystified why being what you are limits your possibilities due to others’ prejudices – and that is why OFA’s work on diversity, inclusion and youth voice is essential to removing barriers. The barriers may never be completely removed but the music-making must go on!”

To the beat: Orchestras for All’s percussion tutor, Andre (left) and Musical Chairs participant, Ketan (right)

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank Harriet’s Trust for match funding the event, our wonderful participants, orchestral tutors, alumni, volunteers, funders, individual donors and Westminster School for making Musical Chairs 2022 possible. Scroll down for a few of the highlights!

If you would like to support OFA’s life-changing work for aspiring young musicians across the UK, please donate what you can today >

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Musical Chairs 2022 in pictures

Orchestras for All Trustee and cellist, Joelle

Question time from the strings during rehearsals

Fluttering flautists

Music can be enjoyed by everyone

From guitars to melodicas, all instruments are welcome in our inclusive ensemble

It’s all smiles from OFA trustees and Musical Chairs participants, Lucinda (middle) and Rosie (right)

Orchestras for All’s Artistic Director and conductor, Emma, leads the way

Modulo Programme Manager, Sam (middle) and OFA’s Executive Director, Nick (right) join the strings

Inspiring National Orchestra for All flautist, Ricardo, supports the woodwind section

The full ensemble

Impromptu percussionist, Ketan, couldn’t wait to get stuck in!

OFA’s Founding Director, Marianna

Going strong on the xylophone

Booming brass

Collection buckets at the ready for our winter fundraiser!

Final rehearsal before the afternoon concert

A witty host: National Orchestra for All trumpeter, Tashan, introduces the live show

Powerful words were shared by young musicians as part of the event

A moving speech from National Orchestra for All trumpeter, Cameron, and his mum, Polly

Our diverse cohort included complete beginners to professionals with years of experience

Mahi and OFA volunteer, Laura, put their busy day of rehearsals to the test – and did an excellent job!

National Orchestra for All’s keyboard tutor, Matt, plays along to ‘Spoitoresa’ on the melodica

Audience members enjoy a quick video starring young musicians from the Modulo Programme

Musical Chairs participant and OFA Trustee, Philip Raperport, takes a moment to enjoy the show

Time for some audience participation – body percussion with orchestral tutor, Andre!

One of OFA’s young trustees, Chloe, shares what Orchestras for All means to her

A round of applause from Artistic Director, Emma

Participants congratulate each other after a brilliant live performance

Pictured (middle): Orchestras for All’s strings tutor, Lawrence

National Orchestra for All pals, Ricardo and Tashan

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Musical Chairs 2022 – we hope to see you again soon!

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“Music is about connecting with others and expressing yourself,” explains violist

The keen string player shares her thoughts as members of the public prepare to gather for a day of music-making at Musical Chairs 2022.

Orchestras for All’s winter fundraiser, Musical Chairs 2022, is just on the horizon – and our music-making family couldn’t be more excited to welcome this year’s diverse cohort of participants, who will be joining us from all across the country.

Taking place on Sunday 20 November 2022 at Westminster School, London, the inclusive event invites you – budding musicians and members of the public – to embark on a new challenge and experience what it feels like to perform with an orchestra for a day, regardless of your age, background or musical skill level.

What’s more, it’s all for a good cause – every single donation (whether that’s through sponsorship to participate or an individual donation to play) will be match funded by Harriet’s Trust, helping us to develop our three life-changing programmes that break down barriers to music-making for young people in the UK.

With our friendly team of NOFA members, alumni and orchestral tutors on hand to support you during rehearsals, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned professional or a complete beginner – everyone is welcome to play.

Megan Jowett, who will be supporting the violin and viola sections at Musical Chairs 2022, said: “I’ll be helping each section by playing alongside our participants as well as supporting them with bowing suggestions or ways of performing different sections of music – hopefully making it much easier for them!”

Learn more about Musical Chairs 2022 >

Pictured: Musical Chairs participants gather at Cecil Sharp House, London, for a day of group music-making

Megan continued: “For me, music – and Musical Chairs – is about the connections you make with other people. It’s enjoying the process of learning new skills, the different sounds you can make on your instrument and how you can express yourself, while exploring the stories of each piece of music.”

However, it’s not the first time the string player has performed live with a large-scale ensemble. Sharing a few of her career highlights so far, she explained: “I feel very lucky to have been involved in musical projects with some brilliant musicians – some of my favourites have been performing improvised music in Berlin, recording for TV and film and playing in some amazing concert halls all over the UK.

Watch this epic live concert starring NOFA at Nottingham’s Albert Hall >

“I love the work I do outside of performance as well, like leading creative workshops for children and their families as well as teaching students the violin and viola. A fun fact about me is that I started weaving and macramé during lockdown, so now my house is full of looms!”

Comedian and TV presenter, Sue Perkins, leads the way at Musical Chairs 2016

In true Orchestras for All style, repertoire at Musical Chairs 2022 will be specially arranged for a mixed-ability ensemble and includes ‘Spoitoresa’ – a sprightly Romanian folk song that was performed by National Orchestra for All at Nottingham’s Albert Hall in the summer.

With many participants often taking up the challenge of picking up a new musical instrument just weeks before the event – which includes performing live in concert to an intimate audience – it offers a refreshing alternative to the usual list of New Year’s Resolutions.

Megan said: “I’m really looking forward to meeting all the participants, hearing how everything comes together on the day and playing ‘Allegro’ from Alice Mary Smith’s Symphony in A minor. I’ve never played this piece before, so I’m excited to learn it!”

Keen to join Megan in the Musical Chairs orchestra and support aspiring young musicians in the process? Find out more and sign up >

Musical Chairs 2022: experience the magic of performing with a live symphony orchestra at this epic one-day fundraiser

Taking place in London this November, Musical Chairs 2022 aims to make a difference to the lives of aspiring young musicians nationwide.

Are you keen to try something new this winter and make a positive impact in the process? If so, join Orchestras for All (OFA) for its exciting forthcoming fundraiser: Musical Chairs 2022.

Taking place on Sunday 20 November 2022 at Westminster School, London, this spectacular one-day event gives members of the public the opportunity to experience the joy of playing with a full symphony orchestra, supported by National Orchestra for All members, alumni and a team of professional tutors.

Perhaps you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to dust off that childhood viola that’s been sitting under your bed, or maybe you want to challenge yourself to learn a new instrument and perform live with an ensemble before the year is up?

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a professional musician with years of performance under your belt, it doesn’t matter – Musical Chairs is fully inclusive and welcomes people of all ages and skill levels, from all backgrounds.

Read more: Orchestras for All relaunches programmes in a bid to improve access to group music-making for young people across the UK >

First, participants will spend a day rehearsing at the venue before putting their day of learning to the ultimate test – performing two pieces live in concert to an audience.

Specially arranged for a mixed-ability ensemble, the pieces include ‘Allegro’, taken from Alice Mary Smith’s stunning Symphony in A minor, along with ‘Spoitoresa’, a traditional Romanian folk song, which has become a firm favourite with OFA’s young musicians.

However, Musical Chairs isn’t just a fun day out – it’s also held for a good cause.

Each year, participants help OFA to raise money in sponsorship, with all funds contributing towards our life-changing musical opportunities for young people who may not otherwise have had the chance to play music with others due to the daily challenges they face.

Meet our musicians >

This year, OFA’s fundraising target is £30,000 and the suggested target for participants is £300. Those getting involved will also have the option to donate to play, with a suggested donation of £300, while further information on how to make the donation as well as sheet music and welcome packs will be provided after registering.

We are also very pleased to share that every penny raised (up to £10k) from this year’s Musical Chairs will be doubled thanks to generous match funding from Harriet's Trust.

This is a true highlight in the Orchestras for All calendar – and we hope that you can join us!

Pictured: National Orchestra for All rehearse at Westminster School, supported by a team of orchestral tutors.

Musical Chairs 2022 will run on Sunday 20 November, from 10:00 until 17:00, with food and refreshments provided throughout. The live concert will commence at 16:00, followed by a drinks reception from 17:00 until 18:00.

To find out more, you can contact the OFA team via email at info@orchestrasforall.org or by phone on 020 7267 4141. If you would like to participate in Musical Chairs 2022, please complete the sign-up form below:

Orchestras for All’s Music Changes Lives campaign raises over £17,000!

A heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, donated, and offered support to Music Changes Lives 2021.

Orchestras for All is delighted to announce that it has raised a grand total of £17,339 as part of its Music Changes Lives winter campaign.

The moving appeal, which launched on Giving Tuesday last November and continued throughout December, aimed to spread awareness about the positive impact that orchestral music-making can have on young peoples’ lives – in particular, those who struggle to access music education in the UK.

This is due to the significant daily challenges that many young people currently face – whether that’s a physical disability, mental health condition, economic deprivation or rural isolation.

Following an inspiring launch event, which was attended online by sector friends and hosted by a dynamic team of young people, the charity has been able to raise vital funds for its three powerful programmes thanks to the incredible generosity of the public and match funding from Harriet’s Trust.

Katharine Allenby, Development Manager at OFA, said: “We're delighted that the message about what music can do and the impact it has on many young lives has been shared far and wide. This campaign has enabled us to welcome new supporters into our network to work with us, providing musical opportunities for young musicians facing barriers to music-making – we are so grateful for your support. Thank you!”

Read more: 13 smart ways to become a greener musician >

In the campaign video (watch above), nine National Orchestra for All (NOFA) musicians share why being part of the OFA family means so much to them. Alumnus Caleb, who had previously lacked in self-esteem, said: “After joining the orchestra, I felt liberated. I feel full of confidence; I feel powerful.”

Young violinist, Grace, who lives with autism, commented: “I realised that it’s okay to struggle because everyone has their own struggles and people will be very supportive of that.”

Read more: “I have social anxiety and didn’t think I was up to meeting new people – but National Orchestra for All is like a giant family,” says young violinist >

Current NOFA member, Cameron, who has ADHD and had previously faced barriers to music participation in his local area, added: “When I joined, it was like a dream come true. It was like everything had been solved; I could be a bit happier and my mum could be happier as well.”

On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank everyone who participated, donated, and offered support to Music Changes Lives 2021– without you, the work we do would not be possible.

To fund our life-changing programmes, please donate today >

Watch young people facing barriers to music-making share moving words in powerful new video

“When I joined the orchestra, it was like a dream come true. It was like everything had been solved.”

Orchestras for All (OFA) has released a heartwarming new video in a bid to improve access to group music-making for young people in the UK.

Shared via YouTube, the four-minute clip (watch above) tells the inspiring stories of nine National Orchestra for All (NOFA) musicians who had previously struggled to access musical opportunities owing to the significant daily challenges in their lives – including economic deprivation, physical and mental health conditions, emotional, social and behavioural difficulties, being in care and acting as a young carer.

NOFA alumnus and trumpet player, Caleb, said: “Before joining the orchestra, I was timid. I lacked in confidence and self-esteem.”

Young violinist, Grace, commented: “Because I've got autism and other special needs, a lot of things I had auditioned for didn't let me in.”

Current NOFA member, Cameron, added: “Before I joined the orchestra, I was struggling and home-schooled. No schools would really take me in – I had no music clubs to go to.”

Read more: ‘National Orchestra for All is so diverse – but we’re united by a note,’ says 19-year-old trumpeter >

“Before joining the orchestra, I was timid. I lacked in confidence and self-esteem,” said NOFA alumnus, Caleb.

And they are not alone, with thousands of other young people across the country currently unable to access ensemble music-making owing to the effect of the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing cuts to music funding in maintained schools.

Upon joining NOFA – one of OFA’s three powerful programmes and the only completely inclusive national youth orchestra in the country – Caleb, Grace and Cameron were able to leave their worries at the door and experience the many benefits that come with playing in an 100-strong ensemble, from forging lifelong friendships to improved social and communication skills.

Caleb said: “After joining the orchestra, I felt liberated. I feel full of confidence; I feel powerful.”

Grace added: “I realised that it’s okay to struggle because everyone has their own struggles and people will be very supportive of that.”

NOFA members enjoy a moment of music and togetherness online during the coronavirus pandemic

Read more: RPS Awards 2021 – Orchestras for All shortlisted in Impact category >

And for Cameron, having access to new musical opportunities meant everything. He said: “When I joined, it was like a dream come true. It was like everything had been solved; I could be a bit happier and my mum could be happier as well.”

The touching video forms part of OFA’s winter campaign, Music Changes Lives, which aims to spread awareness of common barriers to orchestral participation and encourage donations to the charity – each to be doubled on Giving Tuesday (30 November) and throughout the month of December, thanks to generous match funding from Harriet’s Trust.

This means a £10, £20 or £50 donation would see a total of £20, £40 or £100 go directly towards supporting young musicians most in need, helping OFA reach its fundraising target of £20,000.

National Orchestra for All (NOFA) musicians, Tashan (left) and Caleb (right), share their inspiring stories

The campaign comes as OFA reaches its 10-year milestone of life-changing work: in NOFA’s current cohort of 100 diverse young members, 98 per cent faced cultural barriers before joining, 55 per cent were unable to play in an orchestra due to autism, a physical disability, learning difference, or social, emotional or behavioural difficulties, and 37 per cent come from underrepresented groups in the professional orchestral sector.

Read more: Music teachers and students invited to join classrooms nationwide in ‘joyful’ music-making programme >

While there is still much to be done across the arts sector, with hundreds of school pupils teaming up for OFA’s Modulo Programme each year and a growing network of Music Leadership Training participants, there are plenty of reasons to feel hopeful.

“You put all your energy into playing and it feels like you’re part of a big family,” says NOFA alumnus, Siana

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If Music Changes Lives has tugged a heartstring and you would like to help our charity amplify its mission, inspire positive change and provide regular support to aspiring young musicians across the country, you can support us in the following three ways:

1. Please donate what you can

Every donation made – no matter how big or small – will bring us one step closer towards making music education accessible to all. Please also consider becoming one of our regular donors, funding our three powerful programmes through monthly donations.

2. Share our video with your network

Click the button below to access the link for our Music Changes Lives video and share it far and wide with friends, family and colleagues to spread the word about our life-changing work.

3. Subscribe to our newsletter

Join the conversation and stay in the loop with all the latest news from our charity, updates from across the sector and inspiring stories from our young people.

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