Primary-aged children refused to let the rainy forecast dampen their spirits, as they flooded out of more than 35 coaches and minibuses onto the University of Exeter’s campus – and into the impressive Great Hall – to join forces with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) last week.
Tickets to the two Exeter concerts – which celebrated the four elements of the natural world – were snapped up in record time: with thousands of free seats booked by teachers and home schoolers in Devon.
The events featured a mix of live music – including two interactive songs featuring body percussion and Makaton signs, created in partnership with schools. Classroom teachers across the region also benefitted from the BSO’s specialist CPD training and resources ahead of the events, to ensure as many children as possible could take part.
Photography: Andy Casey
Classroom teachers from across the county reported that “the joy on our students’ faces seeing them enjoy the concert and be able to join in was really priceless. Amazing experience”. Others explained that their students were “mesmerised by watching the conductor especially” and of the value in “giving students experience of something they would not ordinarily be able to take part in.”
Another teacher shared: “the pupils were amazed by the Orchestra. It is often challenging for parents to take pupils with SEND to an event with an orchestra as sometimes audiences are not inclusive. […] They learn best through real life experiences, so although they have opportunities to listen to orchestral music, seeing and experiencing it live is very special.”
The pupils shared their own thoughts about presenter James Redwood – described as the “GOAT” (greatest of all time) – conductor Enyi, and the Orchestra: “you all have lots of talent and courage”. They were especially impressed by the (big) tuba and the percussion section: “my favourite part was the drums, I liked how deep they sound” and “the person who played the timpani: you are great”. Woodwind instruments were also very popular.
Photographer: Andy Casey
Lewis Gibbs, Head/Music Education Hub Lead of Devon Music Education Hub, said: “It’s inspiring to see so many children experiencing and interacting with a world‑class orchestra. Ensuring that all young people have the chance to connect with high‑quality music is so important. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s interactive, inclusive approach helps every child, regardless of their prior experience, feel involved and able to participate. We’re hugely grateful to our Hub partners BSO for bringing this opportunity to our region.”
The University of Exeter is the BSO’s home in Devon – and last year, the two long-standing partners celebrated six decades of live music-making. In addition to its world-class symphonic performances, the BSO is loved for its free schools’ concerts in the county and for supporting the Exeter Community Family Orchestra. Together, the University and Orchestra share a vision to create a fairer, socially just and inclusive society – they work together to create opportunities in and around Devon, with particular focus on access and inclusion and health and wellbeing. Thanks to this special relationship, ‘Explore the Orchestra’ offers primary-aged children a precious early opportunity to step into a Higher Education environment.
Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: “We are extremely proud that the University of Exeter is the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s home in Devon, and we’re delighted our partnership goes from strength to strength. Their ethos of breaking down barriers is very much aligned to our own to create opportunities for all. Through their work, the BSO creates opportunities for children to access incredible classical music and, through our partnership, to experience a university campus for the first time.”
Across the year the Orchestra tours eight ‘Explore the Orchestra’ performances, visiting Bristol Beacon, University of Exeter, Lighthouse Poole and Portsmouth Guildhall. In total, more than 10,700 free seats were booked for the tour.
Lucy Warren, Head of BSO Participate, said: “At Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, we believe that witnessing a symphony orchestra in full flight can be awe-inspiring and exhilarating – watching thousands of primary-aged pupils and teachers have this collective experience that is relevant to them is truly thrilling and affirms why we exist to bring music into people’s lives. We were thrilled to return to our residency at the University of Exeter – where the Orchestra also performed a public concert on Thursday evening, with Sunwook Kim and Elisabeth Brauß – to return to the brilliantly supportive teaching community. We are also grateful to our wider partners in schools, music education hubs and local councils for continuing to share in these events with us.”
Photography: Andy Casey
Pupils in Bristol, supported by Bristol Beacon, worked with composer James Redwood – who hosts the concerts from the stage – on this year’s participatory songs. New music will be unveiled at the Poole concerts, in May.
The Orchestra’s Calleva Assistant Conductor, Enyi Okpara, joined Redwood on stage. Okpara was announced as one of Classic FM’s Rising Stars in 2025 and is known for his passion for bringing orchestral music to life for pupils.
The BSO’s ‘Explore the Orchestra’ Schools’ Concerts are generously supported by the Skyrme Hart Charitable Trust, Dave & Jan Pointer, the University of Exeter, Christine & Jim Dipple, the VEC Acorn Charitable Trust, and one anonymous supporter.
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Explore the Orchestra’ tour continues – to Bristol Beacon [27 Mar], and Lighthouse, Poole [19-20 May]. Click here for more details.
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