A group of courageous members of the public will be joining dedicated and committed young musicians from the National Orchestra for All (NOFA) to experience playing in a symphony orchestra for a day on Sunday 29 January 2017. Guided by NOFA’s team of professional orchestral tutors, and under the baton of Artistic Director and Founder, Marianna Hay, the musicians will work on pieces from two great ballets: Stravinsky’s Firebird and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. Audience members will also be treated to a rendition of samba music from the talented NOFA musicians and end the evening by donning their own dancing shoes for a traditional ceilidh.

Following a day of intensive rehearsals, the musicians will perform at 4pm at Cecil Sharp House, Camden, London. Compèring the afternoon’s entertainment is Sir Richard Stilgoe, a prolific figure in the world of performing arts and music. Sir Richard has written lyrics for a number of popular West End musicals, including Cats, Starlight Express and The Phantom of the Opera. No stranger to supporting charitable causes, Sir Richard founded the Orpheus Centre in 1997, a residential arts centre for young disabled artists.

More information can be found on Orchestras for All’s website, and FREE tickets can be booked here.

Orchestras for All use music as a social tool for change. They create an inclusive opportunity for young people facing challenging circumstances to flourish and achieve through music and is supported by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and Teach First. The National Orchestra for All programme welcomes up to 100 young people from across the UK, nominated by their music teachers each year because of their commitment and dedication to music, often in challenging circumstances. Performing, learning and playing music together has been proven by leading academics to have a huge impact on young people – developing numeracy, language skills, social skills, team work, discipline and confidence. NOFA aims to ensure all children can access these life-transforming opportunities, as well as inspiring them to continue pursuing a musical interest long after they leave the programme.