UK orchestras create summer of music making for children and young people

The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) is championing the live music making activities delivered by its member orchestras as part of the #AnOrchestrainEverySchool initiative. 

When schools are closed for the summer, many young people will be without access to formal music making opportunities. The ABO and its member orchestras, in collaboration with teachers and music educators, are ensuring music opportunities remain available for all young people throughout the summer. 

#AnOrchestrainEverySchool aims to enable access to live music making in all schools for all children. As part of the initiative, UK orchestras and ensembles are delivering a thousand music making opportunities in 2025. 

Throughout the North West, ABO members, in collaboration with music education providers, are running events during the school summer holidays.

North West 

Click here to find your nearest ABO member orchestra and discover more summer activities taking place across the North West. A few highlights include…

Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester are organising several events. These include:

• Leo the Lion at Lake District Summer Music Festival on Sunday, 3 August between 11:30am – 12:15pm. More information here.
• Found in the Forest at Lake District Summer Music Festival on Tuesday, 5 August. More information here.

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company and In Harmony are joining the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra to perform in their Prom. This is being held on Thursday, 7 August at Royal Albert Hall (London). More information here. 

Hallé Concerts Society in Manchester are hosting Hallé Musical Stars for early years families on Monday, 4 August and Monday, 18 August at St Michaels. More information here. 

The Association of British Orchestras’ chief executive, Judith Webster, said: “We want all young people to be able to take part in or experience live music making, whatever music they are into and UK orchestras play an important part in providing that experience, along with dedicated grass roots music education providers UK-wide. 

“The benefits for young people are widely documented but access is limited. Orchestras offer a huge range of activities throughout the year, from public concerts and open access events for families with no previous experience to youth orchestras for advanced instrumentalists. This summer, we want to celebrate the ‘out of school’ music activities that complement and enhance the vital music making in schools.”