Almost all tickets in 8 concert hall performances have been snapped up – with just a few seats remaining at Portsmouth Guildhall (22 Jan), where the tour begins.

Thousands more children from around the world will access a later performance – as a Digital Concert – when it is broadcast live from Lighthouse, Poole, in May.

The events feature 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 have benefitted from the BSO’s specialist training and resources ahead of the events.

 

Teachers and pupils are busy preparing for the first of eight live concert hall performances as Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra begins its ‘Explore the Orchestra’ tour to Bristol, Exeter, Poole and Portsmouth, from this month.

All seats are available FREE – and more than 10,700 tickets have already been snapped up ahead of the performances at Portsmouth Guildhall (22 Jan), University of Exeter (30 Jan), Bristol Beacon (27 Mar), and Lighthouse, Poole (19-20 May).

 

The annual event is a highlight in the calendar for primary schools and home schoolers across the South West – with many groups returning each time with a new cohort of pupils.  The Orchestra leads continuing professional development sessions for teachers in advance of the interactive events, along with resource materials to prepare pupils to get the most from the concerts.

 

Pupils in Bristol, supported by Bristol Beacon, have worked with composer James Redwood – who hosts the concerts from the stage – on this year’s participatory songs, which are based on the four elements of the natural world.

 

The Orchestra’s performances in May – at Lighthouse, Poole – unveil new participatory songs, one of which explores the power of the human voice and has been created in partnership with pupils from the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) region, supported by SoundStorm Music Education Agency. Charismatic mezzo soprano Felicity Buckland joins James on stage for these four performances.

 

Music by composer Dani Howard – who is the BSO’s Celebrated Composer throughout the 2025/26 concert season – features in Bristol, Exeter and Portsmouth. The Orchestra’s Calleva Assistant Conductor, Enyi Okpara, conducts all eight performances: 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.

 

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’re excited to embark on this tour of eight performances at our resident venues of Bristol Beacon, the University of Exeter, Portsmouth Guildhall and Lighthouse, Poole – and are grateful to our partners in schools, music education hubs and local councils for continuing to share in these events with us.”

 

Last year, the Orchestra delivered more than 58,800 engagements in 396 learning and participatory experiences across 102 venues in the South West. Its pioneering BSO Participate work reaches children and young people beyond the concert hall throughout the year, with workshops and performances tailored for all ages, from infants and primary schools to the most advanced students. It also runs a popular tour for SEND schools and runs Bournemouth’s National Open Youth Orchestra [NOYO] ensemble.

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 visits Portsmouth Guildhall [22 Jan], University of Exeter [30 Jan], Bristol Beacon [27 Mar], and Lighthouse, Poole [19-20 May].  See bsolive.com for full details.

For Portsmouth schools wishing to book 22 January, please contact the team directly: schools@bsorchestra.co.uk

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