A heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, donated, and offered support to Music Changes Lives 2021.
Orchestras for All is delighted to announce that it has raised a grand total of £17,339 as part of its Music Changes Lives winter campaign.
The moving appeal, which launched on Giving Tuesday last November and continued throughout December, aimed to spread awareness about the positive impact that orchestral music-making can have on young peoples’ lives – in particular, those who struggle to access music education in the UK.
This is due to the significant daily challenges that many young people currently face – whether that’s a physical disability, mental health condition, economic deprivation or rural isolation.
Following an inspiring launch event, which was attended online by sector friends and hosted by a dynamic team of young people, the charity has been able to raise vital funds for its three powerful programmes thanks to the incredible generosity of the public and match funding from Harriet’s Trust.
Katharine Allenby, Development Manager at OFA, said: “We're delighted that the message about what music can do and the impact it has on many young lives has been shared far and wide. This campaign has enabled us to welcome new supporters into our network to work with us, providing musical opportunities for young musicians facing barriers to music-making – we are so grateful for your support. Thank you!”
In the campaign video (watch above), nine National Orchestra for All (NOFA) musicians share why being part of the OFA family means so much to them. Alumnus Caleb, who had previously lacked in self-esteem, said: “After joining the orchestra, I felt liberated. I feel full of confidence; I feel powerful.”
Young violinist, Grace, who lives with autism, commented: “I realised that it’s okay to struggle because everyone has their own struggles and people will be very supportive of that.”
Current NOFA member, Cameron, who has ADHD and had previously faced barriers to music participation in his local area, added: “When I joined, it was like a dream come true. It was like everything had been solved; I could be a bit happier and my mum could be happier as well.”
On behalf of everyone at Orchestras for All, we would like to thank everyone who participated, donated, and offered support to Music Changes Lives 2021– without you, the work we do would not be possible.
