Each week, we lead a range of events to promote health and wellbeing in our local communities. Here’s a snapshot of what’s taking place over the coming days…

Led by our brilliant and unique team of BSO Associate and Young Associate musicians, who work in partnership with musicians from the Orchestra, the events promote music-making for adults, young people and children.

On Monday, the Bristol Recovery Orchestra returns to play, create and perform music, as part of the group’s weekly meetings that run throughout the year. Bristol Recovery Orchestra is run in partnership with Bristol Drugs Project’s Creative Communities.

On Tuesday, our Somerset Wellbeing Orchestra gathers for its weekly group meeting in the unique setting of Ark at Egwood, Somerset. The group is led by BSO Associate Musician, Zoë Palmer, and supports people’s mental health and social connections through the joy of collective music making in partnership with The Octagon, Yeovil and Chard WATCH.

Music in Mind is a Cornwall-based wellbeing orchestra. The group meets on Wednesday in Bodmin and Newquay for a specialist programme focussing on music-making to support participants mental health and wellbeing. Music in Mind is run in partnership with Cornwall Mind and is led by BSO Associate Matt Harrison alongside cellist Barbara Degener.

In Boscombe (Bournemouth), a new pilot programme will take place on Wednesday led by BSO Associate Musician, Sam Mason. This new programme for children from Pokesdown Primary School will run throughout the summer term and focusses on creativity as a tool for expression, connection, and mental wellbeing. There’ll also be a special co-created piece at the end!

On Thursday, BSO musicians will be at Dorset County Hospital to continue weekly music-making sessions – in partnership with Arts in Hospital.  A cellist and percussionist will play, sing and create music with patients and their families on the wards and in the centre during the morning.

We’re rounding off the week with a Cake Concert on Friday with our Teatime Trio at the Royal British Legion Club, Ferndown. Our Cake Concerts are specifically developed for people living with dementia, but open to all. These relaxed chamber performances take place in informal and relaxed environments, combining classical repertoire in a social setting with tea, coffee and cake. Tickets are £3 to attend: click here to reserve your place.  With thanks to Ferndown Dementia Friendly Town for subsidising tickets, RBLC and Douch for their in-kind support.

For more information about any of these events or the work of BSO Participate, please click here