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.”
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.
