We’ve raised over £21,000 for National Orchestra for All through our Big Give Christmas Challenge!

Making a positive impact…

Last week, we launched our most ambitious fundraising campaign yet with our Big Give Christmas Challenge – and we’re delighted to share that together with match funding and gift aid, we’ve raised a total of £21,978.75!

Every pound raised will help us continue the life-changing work of our inclusive National Orchestra for All (NOFA) programme, going directly towards providing transformative musical opportunities for young people in the UK who face barriers to participation.

Your ongoing support empowers our mission to ensure that all young people, regardless of their background or personal circumstances, can experience the many benefits of playing music with others – from developing their skills in communication and youth leadership, to making lifelong friends.

Sharing her thoughts on the ensemble, 14-year-old cellist, Jess, said: “NOFA is the best place on Earth and makes you feel 100 per cent less alone.”

Read more: Orchestras for All wins Youth Initiative of the Year at the Music Mark Awards 2024 >

National Orchestra for All violinist, Freya, and her orchestra friends perform at CBSO Centre in Birmingham.

Whether you donated to our campaign or shared the news with your network, it’s your ongoing belief in our vital work that keeps us going.

Every note played, every rehearsal shared and every stage performed on is made possible because of you. Together, we’re building a brighter future where high-quality music education isn’t just for the privileged few. Thank you so much for your time and generosity.

We would also like to take a moment to thank our match funders, Big Give, for doubling the impact of your donations, and our dedicated partner, Hakluyt, for teaming up with us this year to support our activity.

Read more: Orchestras for All partners with global advisory firm Hakluyt >

Pictured: National Orchestra for All musicians receive a round of applause after their summer 2024 concert.

Though we’re celebrating this milestone today, our work with NOFA is far from done.

In 2025, we look forward to introducing you to our next cohort of National Orchestra for All, sharing their powerful stories and developing our inclusive practice even further as we bring you another season of exciting repertoire. Watch this space…

Until then, here’s to the merriest of festive seasons, filled with beautiful music – and thank you again for helping us to make a lasting impact!

Missed the Big Give campaign but still keen to support our work?
Please donate what you can to Orchestras for All below:

Join Orchestras for All in the Big Give Christmas Challenge! 🎄

Help us transform young musicians’ lives, one donation at a time…

This winter, we’re delighted to announce that Orchestras for All (OFA) is participating in the Big Give Christmas Challenge!

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a difference as from 3-10 December 2024, any donations you make to our charity will be DOUBLED thanks to match funding.

This means that every pound you give will go twice as far in helping us to provide life-changing musical experiences for young people across the UK.

National Orchestra for All (NOFA) alum, Cameron, said: “OFA is the most inclusive organisation you can get and I feel so included being a part of it.”

NOFA percussionist and Youth Board member, Hayden, added: “I love Orchestras for All because it allows young people to be part of something bigger than themselves.”

Read more: Over the moon: Orchestras for All wins Youth Initiative of the Year at the Music Mark Awards 2024! >

Pictured: National Orchestra for All members take to the stage at CBSO Centre in Birmingham.

Why we’re supporting young musicians

In the UK, not all young people have equal access to music-making. Financial, logistical, geographical, personal and cultural barriers often prevent many from participating in group ensemble opportunities – and we’re determined to change this.

With increasing cuts to music education, falling teacher numbers and reducing family funds for extracurricular activities, fewer disadvantaged young people can access music education. Meanwhile, with more young people experiencing isolation, disrupted education, and mental and physical health challenges each year, the need for inclusive music opportunities has never been greater.

Our solution

At OFA, we run inclusive, accessible youth orchestras that welcome young people of all backgrounds, no matter their circumstances. This includes National Orchestra for All (NOFA), the most accessible and inclusive youth orchestra in the UK, bringing together 100 inspiring young people who face barriers to group music-making.

NOFA residentials welcome and empower young people most in need: those from isolated, marginalised or deprived communities and those living with physical or mental health conditions, learning difficulties or within the care system – challenges that mean traditional ensemble music-making opportunities are not accessible to them.

A group of National Orchestra for All saxophonists perform to a live audience at their summer concert.

Our free of charge, non-auditioned programme removes all obstacles to participation, covering the cost of transport, accommodation and meals. We also offer musical arrangements that cater to all instruments and abilities, and bespoke wellbeing support to prioritise the emotional needs of each NOFA member, fostering a safe environment in which they can thrive.

NOFA member, Erin, said: “NOFA has allowed me to grow and mature as a person, and I don’t think I would be who I am today without it.”

Our impact

The transformative power of orchestral music-making is at the heart of everything we do. Through our inclusive programmes, young people will:

• Build their musical skills within a supportive, high-quality, national ensemble.

• Develop personal and social skills, including increased confidence, self-esteem, teamwork, discipline and responsibility.

• Create lasting friendships and integrate with others from different backgrounds across the UK, reducing feelings of isolation and improving mental health.

• Fulfil their aspirations, leading to brighter futures in further education and careers.

Over the past two year-season, we’ve made some incredible memories with our brilliant young NOFA members that will no doubt last us a lifetime – and we’re just getting started.

How you can help

This year, we’re aiming to raise £25,000 through the Big Give Christmas Challenge, which will fund transport, meals, accommodation, wellbeing support and music-making activities for 25 vulnerable young people at our spring residential in April 2025.

Here’s how you can get involved and support our campaign:

• Donate between 3-10 December: Every pound you give will be matched, doubling your impact.

• Share our campaign: Help us spread the word on social media using the hashtags #ChristmasChallenge and #GivingTuesday.

• Follow us here for campaign updates:

  • Facebook and Instagram: @orchestrasforall

  • LinkedIn: @national-orchestra-for-all

A musical summer: National Orchestra for All musicians feel the excitement before their live performance.

Thank you for making a difference

We want to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported OFA over the years. Your generosity enables us to continue our vital work, breaking down barriers and creating equal opportunities for all young musicians. We would also like to thank our partner and global strategic advisory firm, Hakluyt, for enabling us to participate in this fantastic campaign.

This festive season, help us make an even bigger difference by donating during our #ChristmasChallenge campaign. Let’s make music more accessible, one donation at a time!

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Orchestras for All partners with global advisory firm Hakluyt in a bid to boost inclusive music education

Transforming the lives of young musicians across the UK…

Orchestras for All (OFA) is delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with leading global strategic advisory firm, Hakluyt.

The partnership comes in a bid to amplify the charity’s impact and support young people aged 11-19 in the UK, who would not otherwise experience the benefits of group music-making due to the daily barriers they face – whether that’s as a result of physical disability, a mental health condition or learning difference, economic deprivation, rural isolation, or living in care or as a young carer.

This marks a pivotal moment for OFA, with Hakluyt’s generous support and expertise significantly enhancing our ability to fulfil our charitable mission and increase access to musical opportunities for young musicians, regardless of their background or personal circumstances, through our three inclusive programmes.

OFA’s Executive Director, Nick Thorne, said: “The Hakluyt team have been offering in-kind support since 2022 and for this, we are incredibly grateful. In 2024, Hakluyt has also committed to donating to OFA, making this relationship one of our most significant corporate partnerships to date, offering both financial support and advisory services.

“This critical funding will not only help OFA continue providing its life-changing musical programmes but also enable its participation in the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2024. Through this campaign, OFA aims to raise vital funds to ensure more young people can access inclusive and transformative music-making opportunities.”

Read more: ‘Investing in youth leadership is crucial for shaping the future of the arts,’ says National Orchestra for All alum, Elen >

Pictured: National Orchestra for All musicians perform live in concert at CBSO Centre in Birmingham.

A partnership with purpose

In addition to its financial contribution, Hakluyt’s global network of corporate clients and decision-makers will open new avenues for OFA to connect with like-minded individuals and organisations that align with our charity's mission and values. By leveraging these connections, OFA will be better positioned to grow its impact, sustain its operations and break down significant barriers to music education.

Kayo Yoshida, who co-leads Hakluyt’s work with Orchestras for All, said: “Orchestras for All does invaluable work sharing the benefits of music with young people who have often been shut out of creative opportunities. I am personally delighted to be working with them and look forward to our partnership flourishing over the coming years.”

Alexandra Davison, who also co-leads Hakluyt’s work with the charity, commented: “The opportunities that Orchestras for All offers can be life-changing for young people. The myriad benefits of musical education to children’s development and educational attainment are well-known, and Orchestras for All is an organisation with a proven track record of widening access to music for those who need it most.”

With social responsibility remaining a key priority for Hakluyt, the firm is supporting several other non-profit and cultural partners around the world, in sectors from education and social mobility, to humanitarian aid and the arts – including Singapore Repertory Theatre, British Museum, Sesame Workshop and St. Jude India ChildCare Centres.

Modulo memories: A group of school students enjoy social time during their summer 2024 Modulo Meet.

Strategic guidance from global experts

As part of its collaboration with OFA, Hakluyt will provide pro bono strategic advice on topics that are key to the charity’s success. Hakluyt’s team of advisors, with experience spanning industries from government to banking, the arts to non-profits, will offer valuable insights on navigating key policy issues – particularly in the context of the new Labour government’s agendas around inclusion, opportunity, health, education and the arts.

This guidance will not only support our team in refining OFA’s strategies but also allow our charity’s voice to be heard in critical policy debates, amplifying our advocacy efforts for the young people we work with.

Creating opportunities for young musicians

One of the most exciting prospects of this partnership is the potential for OFA’s young performers to showcase their musical skill at Hakluyt’s client events.

These live performances would offer OFA’s young musicians invaluable opportunities to demonstrate the transformative power of music to new audiences, while also gaining experience and building their confidence. This would enable us to elevate our young advocates but also highlight the deep impact OFA’s vital work has on their lives.

National Orchestra for All pianist, Noah, said: “NOFA is a second home for me – a second family, a safe space. I can't recall any moment here that I haven’t enjoyed. I feel respected and heard – and it's here that I've made some of my closest friends.

“The music is catchy, and the staff are absolutely amazing. If you want to play an instrument and they don’t already have it, they’ll find tutors to help you join in. I feel so proud to be part of this organisation and I so look forward to what's next of it.”

A participant from our summer 2024 Modulo Programme added: “Modulo is amazing because you have the opportunity to play in a group, you learn brand new pieces that you never even thought you would play, and the people here are super nice – they’ll help you no matter what skill level you are.”

Looking ahead to our Big Give Christmas campaign

Finally, the announcement of our new partnership with Hakluyt comes at a crucial time as we prepare to launch our Big Give Christmas campaign on Tuesday, 3 December 2024.

Hakluyt’s support has enabled our participation in this campaign, which will strengthen our ability to fundraise and offer inclusive music-making activities to young people nationwide.

On behalf of everyone at OFA, we would like to thank Hakluyt for its continued belief in our mission and look forward to sharing further updates on this partnership over the coming weeks. Together, we can continue to transform young lives through the power of music.

If you’ve been inspired by our work and would like to discuss partnership opportunities with Orchestras for All, please contact our Head of Fundraising, Isabelle Acred, at isabelle.acred@orchestrasforall.org.

Please donate what you can to our life-changing programmes:

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!