Symphony from Scratch 2027

Play side-by-side with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra musicians in a weekend that brings together disabled and non-disabled musicians to create an extraordinary symphonic sound. Symphony from Scratch is a unique opportunity to experience being part of a full orchestra, supported and coached by musicians from both BSO and BSO Resound.

We are currently experiencing a technical issue impacting online booking for this event affecting computer and laptop transactions. You can either scroll down on the purchasing window to find your instrument, use your mobile where the window displays normally or give the Box Office a call on 01202 669925.

Whether you play a traditional orchestral, electronic or accessible instrument, you’ll rehearse and perform together across an inspiring weekend of music-making. Musical parts can be adapted or created to suit different instruments, access requirements and levels of experience. Our ambition is to welcome all! We are pleased to announce that the repertoire this year will include Marquez’s Danzon No.2 and Portman’s Chocolat, with one final piece still to be announced.

Dates: Sat 30 and Sun 31 January 2027

Timings: 12.30-5pm Saturday, 12-4:30pm Sunday (4 – 4:30pm informal song sharing: exact schedule to be issued in January)

Location: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Rd, BH15 1UG

Cost: £50 per participant. Under 25s / concessions / disability allowance or PIP = FREE!

This inclusive event is open to musicians of all ages: you’ll learn and perform alongside BSO professional musicians, playing side-by-side and conducted by our CEO, Dougie Scarfe.

If you’re a young disabled musician aged 11+ and have been playing your acoustic, orchestral, electronic or accessible instrument for a while, come and have a fun and welcoming musical weekend as part of a symphony orchestra – we can adapt musical parts for different levels of experience and instruments.

If you are Grade 5 ability or above, come and be part of an extraordinary new symphonic sound, in a weekend of playing, working together and learning from each other whilst breaking down barriers to music.

Symphony from Scratch 2025

Following the initial release of seats to Under 25, disabled musicians, general on-sale will be live from 10 am October 2nd. Once you have applied, we will be in touch to discuss what requirements you might have and to confirm your place. It is important to note that the number of places across instruments is limited to ensure a balance of forces.

At this now annual event, orchestral instruments will be playing alongside new and accessible instruments. Parts are specially created for different instruments and levels of playing, which in recent years has included the Clarion, LinnStrument and other non-traditional instruments.

As part of the project, we can offer you:

Adapted parts for different levels and formats
New parts for non-orchestral instruments
Online learning materials to help you practice and prepare for the rehearsal
Musical support throughout the two days

If you need the score in a different format, e.g. large format, XML for Braille transcription, particular patterns for Clarion etc – please specify. Be as detailed as you can to help us to make your part right for you! We will then be in touch to confirm your exact requirements.

You will receive your part and learning resources by Friday 30 October, affording you the time to prepare well in advance.

The Symphony from Scratch programme is a part of wider work and research that BSO are undertaking with Open Up Music, an organisation which champions 11-25 year old disabled and non-disabled musicians.