“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!).”
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!
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!
