In uncertain times, let music bring us hope and joy.
Orchestras for All (OFA) is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted in the Impact category at the Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) Awards 2021.
Supported by ABRSM, the prestigious accolade is awarded for ‘an outstanding initiative or organisation which set out to engage and have a lasting positive impact on the lives of people who may not otherwise experience classical music’.
News of the RPS nomination – revealed live on BBC Radio 3 earlier today – is especially powerful this winter, following the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic on thousands of aspiring young musicians and music leaders worldwide.
Despite this unprecedented challenge, Orchestras for All has harnessed the power of technology to keep its audience feeling positive and engaged, providing exciting music-making opportunities to its National Orchestra for All (NOFA) members, under-resourced schools, and teachers participating in its Modulo and Music Leadership Training (MLT) programmes.
Joelle Sogunro, OFA’s Trustee and alumni of OFA programmes, said: “I am so excited to be part of such an amazing charity! I know first-hand how awesome OFA is, so I am really happy that OFA is finally getting the recognition it deserves!”
Getting creative: school pupils at The Hathershaw College express themselves during a national Modulo Meet
Nick Thorne, OFA’s Executive Director, added: “At a time when the arts and music sectors were immobilised, Orchestras for All’s team, trustees, funders, partners and the young people we work with made a pact that the Covid-19 pandemic would not become yet another barrier to music-making.
“I’m so proud that RPS has recognised the impact Orchestras for All has had on hundreds of young people over the past year, who already face significant barriers to participation. Thank you to each and every person who has played a part in our journey. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
For 98 per cent of members in NOFA – the only completely inclusive national youth orchestra in the country – cultural barriers and limited access to music-making have often prevented them from doing what they love the most.
Many also face health barriers, with 55 per cent previously unable to play in an orchestra due to autism, a physical disability, learning difference, or social, emotional or behavioural difficulties.
And despite only 1.6 per cent of Black, Asian and ethnically diverse musicians being members of British orchestras, 37 per cent of NOFA players come from underrepresented groups – with 54 per cent based in the lowest 3 IDACI multiple deprivation deciles.
Alongside increasing welfare intervention courses to support the emotional wellbeing of our young people, virtual activity for NOFA has included a ‘Stories of Silk’ recording, composed by NOFA and Lucy Hale, and the creation of ‘The Great Interstellar Orchestra’ – six minutes of mesmerising audio-visual art.
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Meanwhile, 22.6 per cent of Modulo participants are school pupils on free school meals – higher than the national average of 15 per cent – but continuing to offer our activity online has meant a total of 47 schools and 700 young people have been able to experience the joy of group music-making.
Finally, our online MLT continuing professional development courses have empowered music teachers by equipping them with the skills needed to run an ensemble – with over 159 courses downloaded in 2020-21 and 80 teachers signing up for four webinars, led by special guests such as conductor, Sian Edwards, and folk musician, Emily Askew.
Last year, the RPS Impact Award went to our trusted partner, City of London Sinfonia (CLS), for its Sound Young Minds programme – building confidence and self-esteem in young people living with mental health conditions through music-making and sharing.
Now, Orchestras for All joins two others in the Impact category: ENO Breathe and Including Me – Live Music Now.
A registered charity, the Royal Philharmonic Society has been at the heart of music for over 200 years, supporting musicians and championing the vital role that music plays in all our lives.
The Society’s tradition of awarding excellence to musicians dates back to 1870 when it introduced its prestigious Gold Medal, which has been presented to the likes of Edward Elgar, Leonard Bernstein, Martha Argerich, Janet Baker, Daniel Barenboim, Jessye Norman and John Williams, among many others.
The winners of this year’s RPS Awards will be revealed in a celebratory presentation at Wigmore Hall in London, taking place on Monday 1 November 2021.
We would like to extend a special thanks to all of the inspiring young musicians who have engaged with our programmes, our youth board, funders, partners, individual donors, management team, freelance team, trustees and volunteers. Without you, this award nomination would not have been possible.
Together we have been able to make a positive impact during a global pandemic, using music as a tool to transform lives and send out a message of hope, voyage, adventure and limitless horizons to those who need it the most.
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