News

Orchestras for All wins award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the ABO Impact Awards

“The presence of Orchestras for All in the orchestral sector has changed the landscape of youth music” 

Orchestras for All (OFA) is proud to announce that it has won the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion award at the 2026 ABO Impact Awards

Held at the Southbank Centre, this inspiring ceremony celebrated organisations and individuals working across the UK classical music sector whose work demonstrates the values of inspiration, innovation or collaboration. 

Thank you to the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) for this energising recognition of our work, and to our incredible community for your continued support. Receiving this award reaffirms the importance of our mission to break down barriers so that all young people can experience the joy of orchestral music-making, regardless of the challenges they face.  

Announcing the Award, Classic FM presenter Ritula Shah told the audience, “The presence of Orchestras for All in the orchestral sector has changed the landscape of youth music, placing youth voice at the centre of their work and encouraging the sector to embed young people in its governance, strategy and delivery.”  

 Read more: Orchestras for All joins Music Mark’s podcast to talk Youth Leadership

Orchestras for All celebrate winning the ABO Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award 

At Orchestras for All, we know that inclusive music-making changes lives. As we enter our 15th anniversary year, we are aware that the barriers we set out to overcome in 2011 have only increased.  

Today, challenges such as rising mental health concerns, widening inequality, and social media pressures make it both more vital and more difficult than ever for young people to access music-making opportunities. 

Through our three transformative programmes - National Orchestra for All (NOFA), Modulo, and Music Leadership Training (MLT) – Orchestras for All is rewriting the narrative of who gets to take part in music and supporting the sector to become more equitable, accessible and inclusive.  

“In 2025, Orchestras for All delivered on its mission to bring people together by providing opportunities for 100 young musicians of all abilities and backgrounds to participate in its flagship programme, National Orchestra for All (NOFA)”, shared Classic FM presenter Ritula Shah during the ABO Impact Awards ceremony.  

“NOFA is the most inclusive, accessible and diverse national youth orchestra in the UK today, welcoming all instruments, and encouraging those often excluded from a more traditional orchestral setting.” 

Meanwhile, Jonathan Harper, CEO of Paraorchestra, commented, “We couldn’t be happier to see Orchestras for All win the EDI Impact award for embedding young people’s voices so strongly at the centre of their work” 

 Read more: Empowering young minds: The importance of young people’s mental wellbeing

Executive Director Nick Thorne, Youth Leadership Coordinator Becky Thomas, Composer and NOFA Alum Christian Dews and Founding Director Marianna Hay MBE, accept the award. 

Thank you! This award belongs to you.  

Our heartfelt thanks to the Association of British Orchestras and to our amazing community of funders, supporters, and partners who make our vital work possible.  

Thank you to the inspiring young musicians and leaders at the heart of everything we do. Our charity wouldn’t exist without you, and this award celebrates you! 

As we embark on our 15th anniversary year, we’re excited to continue our work redefining equity, accessibility and inclusive practices in music-making!  

Keep an eye out for exciting updates and stay tuned to see what our NOFA and Modulo orchestras get up to in 2026.  

 Keen to support OFA’s life-changing work? Please make a difference and donate what you can to our charity today: 

Have your say in what we play! Cast your vote on the Modulo 2025/26 repertoire

The music in the running…

This summer, young musicians from across the UK came together at our Modulo meets in Manchester, Birmingham, London and Gateshead. During exciting days of ensemble music-making, we asked participants to share their suggestions for the next season’s repertoire.

From classical favourites to iconic pop hits, the suggestions were wonderfully diverse. With the help of our Youth Board, we’ve narrowed it down to a final shortlist.

Now we want to hear from you – our community!

Pictured: Modulo members performing together at our last Summer meet!

Shaped by and for young people

From writing suggestions on post-it notes to national performances; the repertoire vote is a chance for participants to make their mark on the programme. In partnership with our Youth Board, this process is one example of the ways Orchestras for All ensures young voices are steering the direction of our Modulo programme.

Modulo is all about breaking down barriers to ensemble music-making. It enables young people in state schools and community groups to experience the joy of performing together, and welcomes all instruments, abilities and backgrounds.

Once the chosen piece is selected, teachers and music leaders will be provided with resources and practical tools to make learning the 2025/26 Modulo repertoire flexible, accessible and inclusive for the participating young musicians.

Read more: Orchestras for All joins Music Mark’s podcast to talk youth voice and leadership

Pictured: Modulo members enjoying playing music together in the guitar section

What’s next?

We’ll be announcing the selected piece soon, alongside the launch of a brand-new season of Modulo!

Make sure you’re the first to hear and keep up to date with other exciting Orchestras for All news by signing up to our newsletter.

Orchestras for All joins Music Mark’s podcast to talk youth leadership

“If you make sure young people are genuinely heard and valued, you make better solutions for your charity,” says Executive Director Nick Thorne, as he and Youth Leadership Coordinator Laura Fullwood share how Orchestras for All embeds youth voice across everything they do, from music-making to governance.

Pass The Baton - Orchestras for All team members cycle from London to Brighton

A Ride with Purpose…

On 15 June, Orchestras for All’s Modulo Programme Manager Charlie and Executive Director Nick will take on the iconic 55-mile London to Brighton Cycle Ride in aid of Orchestras for All.

We caught up with them to hear about why they’re donning the lycra, and why they chose to raise money for Orchestras for All…

Inspired by NOFA Ambassador Cameron Jacobs, who recently ran the London Marathon barefoot in support of Orchestras for All, Charlie and Nick wanted to take on a similar feature of endurance to support the work we do.

Pictured: NOFA alum Cameron and his mum Polly

And their aim is not just to raise funds, but to inspire others to do something meaningful for a cause they care about. Whether it’s a run, a performance, a bake sale, or something entirely unexpected — take up the baton and start your own challenge!

Charlie told us: “We were so inspired by Cam’s recent barefoot marathon that we just had to keep the momentum going. We’re proud to be the second team to ‘Pass the Baton’. It’s all about pushing yourself to achieve something — big or small — and helping more young people take part in our programmes.”

And it’s not the first time Charlie will have visited Brighton either…

“Brighton University is where I studied Music so it has special significance to me, heading back after many years to somewhere I really grew both musically and personally. It might take a little longer to get there this time though!”

Modulo memories: violinists in action at our Manchester Spring Modulo Meet

Why it matters

Every pound raised by the cycle ride will go towards creating more inclusive, life-changing musical opportunities for young people like Cameron, across the UK. Orchestras for All supports hundreds of young musicians each year, regardless of background or ability, bringing them together to collaborate, create and thrive.

Executive Director, Nick, shared: “I’m proud to be taking on this challenge for Orchestras for All. The impact this charity has on hundreds of young people’s lives is incredible. It’s wonderful to connect them all through music making at our events. Any support you can offer — whether through a donation or sharing this blog — would be hugely appreciated.”

Bold as brass: Cameron (pictured middle, orange t-shirt), performs at CBSO Centre in Birmingham with NOFA.

How you can get involved 

You can support the Pass the Baton movement by:

  • Donating what you can to support Nick and Charlie’s ride

  • Starting your own challenge and sharing it with us — we’ll help raise awareness and celebrate it on our channels.

  • Sharing this blog post and tagging us @OrchestrasForAll with #PassTheBaton

Together, let’s create something bigger — and make sure every young person has the chance to make music.

Please donate what you can to Nick and Charlie’s campaign and make a difference to the lives of young people across the UK:

Spring Modulo Roundup: 243 Young Musicians, 4 Cities, one unforgettable spring season!

Manchester Modulo orchestra

Making musical memories with the Modulo Programme…

This spring, Orchestras for All brought together 243 incredible young musicians from 16 schools to perform in some of the UK’s top venues. Through our Spring Modulo Meets, students from all corners of the UK came together to create, collaborate, and perform—many of them for the very first time as part of a large-scale ensemble.

We’ve been overwhelmed by how positive the response has been from the students and teachers! Let’s dive into what we got up to…

Flautists in the Modulo Manchester Orchestra

What is the Modulo Programme?

Modulo is Orchestras for All’s flagship schools programme, kickstarting a vibrant culture of inclusive music-making within state schools and community groups - regardless of background, ability, or resources.

The Spring Meets are our formal way of kicking off the programme. Students from participating schools take a day off normal school activities for a day of rehearsals, workshops and a final run-through of the pieces they’ve worked on at a world-class venue.

Modulo percussionist, Caleb

This year our meets took place throughout February and March in Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead, Cecil Sharp House, London and CBSO Centre, Birmingham. 

But it doesn’t just end there! After the spring meets we send one of our fabulous tutors to lead a workshop in-school to help keep the students inspired. After months of hardwork, we regroup again in July for the main event of our Modulo Programme - the Summer Meets - where our students will come together for the last time this season to celebrate their work this year.    

Repertoire as diverse as our musicians

This spring we are working a wide range of repertoire chosen in collaboration with our young people including: ‘I Wish’ by Stevie Wonder, ‘A Keelie Makolay’, a traditional Ghanaian folk song, and ‘The Great Gate of Kyiv’ from Mussorgsky’s ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’.

Modulo participants explored new genres, styles, and musical ideas - building not just their skills, but also their confidence and creativity. And as for the instrumentation of our groups, no instrument is turned away. Our inclusive orchestras include drummers, electric guitarists, melodicas and more. 

The response from Students

Modulo trumpet player, Chenise

Led by professional tutors and musicians, the Modulo Meets gave young people the chance to play alongside peers from across the UK, engage in sectional rehearsals and improvisation workshops and experience the joy of ensemble playing in inspiring venues. 

After the Meets we found that:

  • 92% of students said they enjoy playing music more after Modulo

  • 91% felt more confident playing in a group

  • 84% felt better at collaborating with others

  • 76% were inspired to pursue future musical pathways

Here are a few of our Modulo student’s favourite moments:

  • “When we played together as a group it made me feel like a professional artist.”

  • “Yes, it gave me more confidence to look into a future in music.”

  • “I saw a double bass for the first time – which was cool.”

  • “I spoke to everyone in the group – it gave me more confidence.”

What Teachers Are Saying

Modulo teachers mid discussion

Another way the Modulo programme impacts communities is through helping teachers. Here’s what some of them had to say: 

  • “Some of the students I’ve got today have never left their county before. It’s really widened their eyes.”

  • “Looking at that orchestra, it looks more like my school. Our students don’t usually see themselves on stage—but today they did.”

  • “Modulo gave us a way to make music together, even though we don’t have an orchestra in school.”

Why It Matters

At Orchestras for All, we believe music should be for everyone - not just the privileged few. The Modulo Programme reaches young people who might otherwise never have the chance to play in an orchestra, experience live music-making, or feel the power of belonging to something bigger than themselves.

Modulo is not just about music. It’s about confidence, creativity, friendship, and possibility.

Modulo Manchester cello section smiling with their arms in the air

Help Us Do More

This spring was special - but with your help, next year’s Modulo programme can be even better. Your support could help us:

  • Reach more schools in underserved areas

  • Provide instruments, travel, and access for those in need

  • Expand our tutor and workshop programme

Every donation, no matter the size, helps us bring the magic of Modulo to more young people across the UK.

Inspiring young musicians in National Orchestra for All prepare to meet for the first time this season

Pictured left: National Orchestra for All (NOFA) musicians Noah, Troy and Niko. Pictured right: NOFA cellist Vanessa

From barrier-smashing activities to diverse repertoire, here’s everything you need to know about National Orchestra for All’s upcoming residential…

As the sound of spring returns, so does the start of an exciting new season of music and togetherness for National Orchestra for All (NOFA)!

NOFA is our inclusive, non-auditioned, national youth orchestra. It welcomes around 100 young people aged 11-19 from all backgrounds, with a wide range of musical abilities, playing any instrument of their choice – including those not typically found in a traditional orchestra, such as guitars, saxophones and melodicas.

Next week, the Orchestras for All (OFA) team will be welcoming both new and returning NOFA members, who are based in all four corners of the UK, to the city of Birmingham for their first in-person residential of the year – and we can’t wait to show them what’s in store.

NOFA’s spring residential marks the start of a dynamic two-year season for the ensemble, where inspiring young musicians will be coming together for the first time to rehearse in sectionals (smaller instrumental groups) as well as with the full orchestra, supported throughout by our wonderful team of orchestral and wellbeing tutors. 

Last season, NOFA cellist, Jess, said: “NOFA is a good space to join if you are nervous about going to an orchestra because it is just one big happy family! You don’t have to feel like you have to be the best – you can just play along and laugh if you make mistakes”.

Read more: Barefoot London Marathon: National Orchestra for All alum runs for change >

NOFA alum and Ambassador, Kit, added: “Joining the orchestra has definitely helped my confidence with playing in front of other people.

“NOFA is all about collaboration, community and creativity. Regardless of how nervous you might feel, you really enjoy it – and not many young people have the chance to do this, so I’m really grateful.”

Read more: 7 powerful benefits of inclusive music education >

Being part of NOFA offers young people life-changing musical experiences they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to enjoy due to the daily barriers they face, while also developing valuable life and communication skills. NOFA creates a thriving, creative community and of course, it’s great fun too!

What music will NOFA be playing this season?

As well as creating their own pieces of music with professional composers, NOFA members get to play all types of music – from pop songs, classical works and film favourites, to jazz, video game soundtracks and dance anthems.

The ensemble’s diverse repertoire is carefully selected to reflect the diversity of the orchestra members themselves. Chosen in collaboration with our Artistic Director and Youth Board, this season’s repertoire will include Ghanaian call and response song, ‘A Keelie Makolay’, ‘Ritmos Ciganos’, written by Portuguese composer, Carlos Garcia, and an original composition by NOFA alum and current Trinity Laban student, Christian Dews.  

Read more: 21 female composers you really need on your radar >

Christian told us: “It’s good at NOFA because there are a lot of video game music composers who are inspired by orchestral music, but you never usually hear their music being played.”

What will NOFA members be getting up to this spring?

National Orchestra for all musicians take centre stage in Birmingham for their summer 2024 concert.

National Orchestra for all musicians take centre stage in Birmingham for their summer 2024 concert.

During each day of the spring residential, NOFA members will be participating in lively rehearsals and workshops as well as games and social activities in the evenings.

We have a jam-packed schedule of workshops planned this time around, including workshops focused on improvisation, visual art, conducting, shadow puppetry and chamber music.

Speaking about her past experience with the ensemble, NOFA alum and former Ambassador, Grace, said: “I love NOFA because it is so inclusive, and we play all sorts of different genres of music. I get to learn other skills too, like public speaking, organising the quiz and social media.”

Read more: 11 barrier-smashing highlights from Orchestras for All in 2024 >

Our commitment to wellbeing at NOFA

We love our fantastic wellbeing and orchestral tutors!

We love our fantastic wellbeing and orchestral tutors!

To ensure all young people participating in NOFA are able to access and enjoy our inclusive programme, we have a friendly wellbeing and safeguarding team on hand at each residential to offer bespoke support that caters to their individual support needs.

Read more: The importance of young people’s mental wellbeing >

Each NOFA member is also part of a group, led by two wellbeing tutors who check in with them throughout the day and support them to and from activities. Throughout the week, they will be making sure everyone feels comfortable, confident and safe. Plus, there is always a designated chill out space available at the venue if a young person ever feels overwhelmed in any way or is in need of some quiet time.

After joining NOFA last season, pianist Noah said: “NOFA is a second home for me – a second family, a safe space. I can’t recall any moment here that I haven’t enjoyed. I feel respected and heard and it’s here that I’ve made some of my closest friends. The music is catchy and the staff are absolutely amazing!”

We couldn’t agree more and as we embark on this next NOFA season, we look forward to watching our new cohort of young musicians build friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Until then, let’s get our instruments at the ready and we’ll see you all very soon!

Keen to support National Orchestra for All? Please donate what you can to our charity:

Barefoot London Marathon: National Orchestra for All alum runs for change 

Making a difference in music education, one step at a time… 

This spring, National Orchestra for All (NOFA) alum, Cameron Jacobs, will be taking on one of the most gruelling physical challenges imaginable – running the London Marathon. 

On Sunday 27 April, the 18-year-old musician will be joining his mum, Polly (pictured below), OFA supporter, Gabriel, and tens of thousands of other participants to make the annual 26.2-mile journey across the city. But he won’t just be running for himself. He’s running barefoot, with every step dedicated to a cause that’s close to his heart: increasing access to group music-making for young people across the UK. 

Cameron said: “I have ADHD, Autism and Tourette’s and when I was 11 years old, I was going through a bit of a tricky time. Orchestras for All came along, took me on as a trumpet player, and gave me a place to belong and be completely me.

“Orchestras for All has been really life-transforming for me and this is why I wanted to raise money for them by doing this barefoot challenge. I hope this enables more young people who are facing significant challenges in their life to be part of this incredible organisation.”

Cameron’s journey is more than just an impressive athletic feat; it’s a story of resilience, passion and the transformative power of group music-making. Before joining NOFA as a trumpet player several years ago, he had experienced significant barriers to entry for playing in a national youth orchestra due to the daily life challenges he faces. 

Read more: 7 powerful benefits of inclusive music education >

Cameron and his mum, Polly

Pictured: NOFA alum, Cameron, with his mum, Polly.

Through NOFA, Cameron was able to boost his confidence and mental wellbeing, be part of a vibrant community, make lifelong friends from diverse backgrounds and do what he loved best – making music with others. 

Fast forward to today and Cameron is proud to be an OFA Ambassador. This is a paid role offered specially to NOFA alums at our charity to help them develop new skills and use their own lived experience to support and inspire current members.

Meet OFA’s Ambassadors >

He has also received an unconditional offer to study music at university, demonstrating the positive impact that OFA’s inclusive music-making activities have had on the course of his life. 

Now, Cameron wants to give back to others by using his marathon run to raise vital funds for OFA, enabling us to empower even more young musicians across the country who might not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of group music-making

Running the London Marathon is tough, but running it barefoot adds an entirely new level of challenge. Cameron’s decision to do so symbolises the growing need to break down barriers, face adversity head-on and stand strong for inclusivity in music education. This is a powerful reminder that endurance can help us to overcome any obstacle. 

Cameron (pictured middle, orange t-shirt), performs at CBSO Centre in Birmingham with NOFA. There are lots of other NOFA members wearing colourful branded OFA t-shirts in shot, holding up their trumpets and trombones. Some are wearing fun hats.

Bold brass: Cameron (pictured middle, orange t-shirt), performs at CBSO Centre in Birmingham with NOFA.

How can you support Cameron’s barefoot marathon? 

This campaign is more than just one person’s journey – it’s a move committed to raising awareness about the need for change in music and we would love for you to be part of it.  

Here’s how you can help: 

  • Please donate what you can: Every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps OFA provide musical instruments, life-changing programmes and holistic support for young people who need it the most. 

  • Share Cameron’s story: Spread the word on social media using our campaign hashtag, #BarefootForAll. 

  • Follow the journey: Stay updated on Cameron’s progress, training and London marathon day through OFA’s social media channels and sign up to OFA’s email newsletter for more.

Cameron’s barefoot marathon is a bold statement about resilience, inclusivity and the power of music to transform young lives. Let’s celebrate his extraordinary journey and help him reach his fundraising goal. Together, we can make music accessible to all, one step at a time. 

Please support Cameron’s barefoot marathon and donate what you can >

“Orchestral music-making isn’t just for the few – it’s for everyone,” says Modulo Programme Manager, Charlie

Side by side image. On the left is a headshot of Charlie and on the right is a group photo showing Modulo musicians in the flute and saxophone sections rehearsing together at Royal Academy of Music. There is an Orchestral Tutor at the front.

With our spring Modulo Meets just on the horizon, we caught up with Charlie to learn more… 

Hello, I’m Charlie! This is my first season as Modulo Programme Manager at Orchestras for All, so I thought I’d introduce myself and share a bit about the work I’m doing with the charity through its fantastic Modulo Programme

Music plays a big role in my life. Whether it’s jamming with my friends at weekends or sharing songs and stories at my local folk club, it’s more than just a creative outlet – it’s a way to bring people together and feel a sense of shared passion and belonging.  

I’ve seen firsthand how powerful music can be, whether it’s the triumph of discovering a new instrument (I’m currently learning the tin whistle – not quite there just yet though!), the excitement of live performance, or the sense of belonging and identity it can give someone.

That’s why I’m so passionate about making music accessible to all young people across the UK through my work with the Modulo Programme

Read more: 7 powerful benefits of inclusive music education >

Modulo is designed to break down barriers and give young people, no matter their background or ability, the chance to discover the joy of making music in an ensemble. It doesn’t matter if they’re picking up an instrument for the first time or already have some experience; everyone is welcome to join the programme and attend our energising Modulo Meets. 

Modulo Meets are our in-person events that take place at leading arts venues across the country, bringing together young people and their music leaders to learn and play within a safe and supportive space. Here they can grow, collaborate and feel empowered to become a valued part of something much bigger than themselves, all the while guided by an expert team of conductors and Orchestral Tutors. 

What makes Modulo so special to me is its focus on inclusion. By supporting underfunded schools and working with young musicians from underrepresented communities, the programme ensures that orchestral music-making isn’t just for the few – it’s for everyone.  

Read our latest impact report >

We create inclusive arrangements that cater to all kinds of instruments – including those not typically found in a traditional orchestra setting, such as guitars, drums, melodicas and saxophones. We encourage learning by ear as well as using sheet music. Young participants even have the opportunity to reverse roles with the adults and try their hand at conducting! We also care about their emotional wellbeing and have a safeguarding team joining us to keep everyone happy throughout the day. 

From exciting workshops to unforgettable performances, Modulo creates opportunities that many students might never have had otherwise. I hope these can become treasured memories as well as educational experiences, helping our young musicians to develop both musically and personally. 

For me, it’s a privilege to be part of their journey. Watching a young person light up as they hear themselves play their part together with a huge ensemble for the first time – these are the moments that drive me and make me feel proud of doing such meaningful work. 

Read more: Modulo Programme 2024 highlights >

This spring, we’re hosting Modulo in partnership with Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, The Glasshouse Centre in Gateshead, London’s Cecil Sharp House and CBSO Centre in Birmingham. We can’t wait to meet our new cohort very soon and make some epic music together. 

Thank you for reading and if you’d like to learn more about Modulo, do take a look at our brochure here or send me an email and I’d be happy to chat with you. 

In the meantime, stay tuned on our social media channels for future Modulo updates! 

Keen to support Modulo? Please donate what you can to our charity today: 

Your voice matters: share your thoughts in Orchestras for All’s new brand survey!

Pictured: Youth Leadership Coordinator, Laura (left) and National Orchestra for All alum, Tashan (right)

Help us shape the future of our charity.

In 2021, Orchestras for All (OFA) underwent an exciting transformation with a vibrant rebrand designed to reflect our charity’s life-changing work and the inspiring young people we support.

We worked closely in collaboration with our incredible Youth Board and professional design agency, Split, to update everything from OFA’s logo and colour palettes to printed merchandise – and were so pleased with the results!

While our rebrand was a significant step forward for us, we know that meaningful change often comes from listening to the people who make up our community. Whether you’ve been part of our journey for many years or are new to OFA, your perspective matters to us.

That’s why now, four years on, we want to hear from you! Your feedback is truly invaluable and we’re inviting you to share your thoughts in our new brand survey.

Read more: Celebrating music and togetherness: Read our latest Impact Report! >

A close up image of an orange Orchestras for All branded tshirt

Pictured: A close up of an Orchestras for All branded t-shirt, designed in collaboration with the Youth Board.

We’re committed to ensuring that OFA’s identity continues to feel as dynamic and inclusive as the work we do in our programmes. By sharing your thoughts, you will help us:

  • Tell our story better: Does our brand reflect the powerful impact of our work?

  • Meet your needs: How can we better support and engage with you?

  • Stay authentic: Does our brand resonate with young people and music leaders today?

Please help us shape the next chapter of OFA and take a moment to complete our short survey below – it should only take a few minutes.

Thank you for being such an important part of our journey. Your continued support makes everything we do possible and we look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Celebrating music and togetherness: Read our latest Impact Report!

Side by side image, with a group of NOFA saxophonists on the left and an image of the front cover of the Impact Report on the right, which reads 'July 2023-June 2024'.

From Sounds of Change to youth leadership, here’s our year in review…

Kickstarting the New Year on a positive note, we’re delighted to share our latest Impact Report for Orchestras for All (OFA). 

At OFA, we believe in the transformative power of group music-making to change young peoples’ lives – and in our uplifting new report, we showcase our charity’s barrier-smashing work from July 2023 to June 2024.

Co-Chairs to OFA’s Board of Trustees, Susanna Eastburn MBE, Beth White and Joelle Sogunro, wrote: ‘Over the past year, Orchestras for All has made great strides in making music accessible to everyone. We’ve stayed true to our mission of inclusive music-making, with a strong focus on empowering young people to take a key role in shaping the future of music.  

“Through our programmes, we’ve created space for young people from all backgrounds to get involved, using music as a way to foster leadership and personal growth.”

Read more: 11 barrier-smashing highlights from Orchestras for All in 2024 >

Pictured (left to right): A NOFA cellist, three Modulo participants and a NOFA violinist and flautist.

Pictured (left to right): A NOFA cellist, three Modulo participants and a NOFA violinist and flautist.

As well as highlights from our three life-changing programmes, National Orchestra for All (NOFA), Modulo and Music Leadership Training (MLT), you can read our report to discover:

NOFA violinist and alum, Miecha (featured in the video below), summed up her experience perfectly: “It’s nice to go somewhere else independently, find yourself, meet other people from different parts of the UK and just play music together.”

While we’re taking a moment to reflect on the year’s achievements, we’re also filled with excitement for what’s to come in 2025.

Alongside introducing you to our next set of Ambassadors, Trustees and Youth Board members, we’ll be going on tour once again for Modulo and NOFA – but with a brilliant new cohort of young people and schools!

We can’t wait to welcome new and existing members to our energising live events this spring, taking place from February onwards at leading arts venues in Manchester, Gateshead, London and Birmingham.

Until then, sit back and explore our Impact Report to get a taste of all the music-making action!

Thank you to all those who were part of our journey in 2023-24 – your ongoing support makes everything we do possible.