Orchestras for All, the charity that provides music-making opportunities to disadvantaged young people, brings its fundraising event Musical Chairs to Cecil Sharp House in Camden, London on Saturday 24 February. For one day only members of the public, who have taken on the challenge of learning a musical instrument in just eight weeks, will be performing alongside young musicians from the National Orchestra for All. The programme this year includes orchestral classics such as Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, and putting the novice players through their paces will be the Royal Academy of Music’s Head of Conducting Sian Edwards.

Comedian, actress and writer Arabella Weir who is taking part for the first time this year by learning the marimba, explains “not only have I never played the marimba before, I’ve never seen or heard one before but I do enjoy hitting things, so I’m sure it will be all right on the night! More importantly I wanted to support the important work that Orchestras for All does with young people so I’m really excited to being part of this event.” Asked what she is most looking forward to Arabella replies “making a LOT of noise and drawing excessive attention to myself - although I am worried about drowning others out whilst playing!”

Orchestras for All believes that music has the power to change lives and wants music to be accessible to all young people whatever their circumstances. The charity provides opportunities for young people aged 11-18 with complex needs to rehearse and perform in a unique national youth orchestra (the National Orchestra for All) completely free of charge and without audition. It also runs workshops, residential courses and provides training across the country for teachers and community music leaders. Since 2011 the charity has worked with over 1000 young people, supported over 75 music teachers and community music leaders and created over 25 arrangements of specially-created music for mixed ability ensembles.

All participants have been raising sponsorship to play in the orchestra and all the money we raise on the day will be used to deliver our enriching annual programme of OFA activities and to unlock access to the life-changing experience of ensemble music-making for 11-18 years olds with complex lives.

As presenter of Channel 4 News, Jon Snow says; “Enabling young people who wouldn’t otherwise get the chance to take part in playing music together, with all the social and personal benefits that can bring, is hugely important. Musical Chairs is your chance to get involved and support this fantastic organisation whilst enjoying a memorable day rehearsing and performing some spectacular music alongside OFA’s inspiring young musicians.”

When and where is it? The concert will take place in Cecil Sharp House in Camden from 4pm-6pm on Saturday 24 February 2018. The performance will be followed by refreshments. Tickets for the performance are free, so why not come and join us for an exciting and unique concert, all in support of young musicians with complex lives.

Do you want to take part in the Orchestra? It is not too late to sign up to play in the orchestra and learn a new instrument! Simply visit our website to sign up today: https://www.orchestrasforall.org/musical-chairs/. There are many ways to secure your seat in the orchestra for Musical Chairs 2018. You can raise sponsorship, make a donation to secure your place or even gift a place for a friend or loved one. The suggested fundraising target or donation to take part is £250, but any contribution is welcome. Once you have signed up to take part via our online form, one of the OFA team will be in touch to explain next steps in terms of securing your seat and will send you your music so you can start practicing!