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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