The BSO for children
Our symphonic ‘Explore the Orchestra’ schools’ concerts take place every year across the Southwest in Bristol, Exeter, Poole and Portsmouth. Providing a comprehensive guide to the orchestra, these concerts are often the first experience children have of live symphonic music. A series of interactive educational resources are embedded in classroom teaching ahead of the live events and include a fun communal song which everyone can get involved in!
The next Explore the Orchestra concerts are on: Friday 17 January (Bristol); Thursday 23 January (Portsmouth); and Friday 31 January (Exeter) and are free to attend. If you’d like your school to attend keep an eye on for upcoming sign-up details.
School students enjoy our Explore the Orchestra concert
If you know a young performer, aged between 9 and 13, who would love to sing in The Snowman this December, we’ve got good news! We’re recruiting for two talented young singers to perform Walking in the Air at the screening of the animated film classic, The Snowman, accompanied by the BSO. This is sure to be a beautiful performance, and we’d love to see you there, whether performing or watching. Click here to book tickets today – or here to register for an audition this September.
We’re also proud to work closely with the National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO) throughout the year. NOYO brings brilliant young disabled and non-disabled musicians together to rehearse and perform together, promoting inclusion by performing exciting music written and arranged for a diverse group of musicians and instruments. Alongside them we deliver monthly rehearsals and support 1-2-1 lessons for NOYO musicians in Bournemouth playing a range of acoustic, electronic and accessible instruments.
Players from National Open Youth Orchestra perform
Time Together concerts in Somerset — run in partnership with the Octagon Yeovil and the Balsam Centre, Wincanton — offer an opportunity for parents of young babies to spend time making music together through a series of magical sensory sessions. From bouncy time to sleepy time, musicians from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra work with parents and babies on NHS referral, leading them on a musical journey with extra time for socialising with tea and coffee at the end.
The BSO for amateur musicians
Are you an amateur player who’d love to join us to play with a professional orchestra, in an inclusive setting? Why not come along to our Symphony from Scratch weekend this November? After a successful pilot in 2023, we’re pleased to announce a return this autumn. The weekend pushes the boundaries of what symphonic music making can be and unites professional musicians from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and BSO Resound — the Orchestra’s professional disabled-led ensemble — alongside amateur players, including those from the ‘Rusties’ community and National Open Youth Orchestra. Read our blog from last year’s weekend here.
And, if you’re based in Devon why not join our Exeter Community Orchestra? This group brings the joy of music-making to everyone! The multi-generational group enjoys fun, easily accessible sessions, and is run by our BSO Associate Musicians. Members shape the music and explore new ways to create sound regardless of experience or ability.
BSO for adults
BSO Voices — our Southampton- based community choir — provides the perfect opportunity for anyone wanting to sing in a community choir. BSO Voices creates a fun and friendly environment in which people can flourish, and the rehearsals produce inspiring performances where the choir sings together in monumental harmony. Rehearsals take place every Wednesday in Southampton, there are no auditions to join and the ability to read music is not essential.
BSO Voices perform with Pete Harrison
Have you considered singing with our friends at Bournemouth Symphony Chorus? This professional chorus regularly accompanies BSO performances. The chorus is heard regularly on radio and television and performs widely with other orchestras too. With a membership of around 150 members, it’s a great thing to be part of.
The Recovery Orchestra is a year-round programme produced in partnership with, aiming to support people living with addiction. The Recovery Orchestra, based in Bristol, provides a safe space for participants to learn about music in a supportive environment with people who have similar shared experiences.
Members of Bristol Recovery Orchestra during rehearsals
Similarly, our Somerset Wellbeing Orchestra is a group which is run to help enhance mental well-being in its members. The group is participant focussed and led and develops participants musical skills and melodic ideas, enabling the process of creative music-making.
The BSO for older people
The BSO has long-supported dementia-friendly work, particularly in and around the BCP region. We were proud to be recognised by the Alzheimer’s Society in 2017 for the impact of our music-making programmes. We believe our Care Home concerts are a powerful way to trigger positive emotions and to foster connection between people. Live cultural experiences can rekindle memories and encourage active participation, providing a hugely welcome boost to the wellbeing of residents, family members and staff alike.
Cake concert attendees enjoy the music
Our Cake Concerts meanwhile are specifically designed for those experiencing dementia, but open to all. These relaxed concerts are played in community spaces, accompanied by a cup of tea and a slice of cake, and offer the opportunity for people to socialise and connect with others. Our popular teatime trio of harp, flute and cello play works from popular classical hits to light film music.
The BSO online
We also offer our global Digital Concerts through our website. These concerts are fully accessible to all – not just adults- so that anyone can access live symphonic music, wherever they are. Our loyal audiences were established during the pandemic and continue to watch far and wide. And there’s a special new subscription offer this season of 17 concerts for only £150.
If you’d like to get involved in any of our lifelong learning projects, keep an eye on our website and our Participate page for upcoming opportunities.