Community & Outreach Program
Inclusivity lies at the heart of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, and its vast program aims to bring transformative musical experiences to the entire community.
Whether introducing young people to live performance or providing solace and joy to those in hospital, our Community & Outreach programs allow participants aged 4 to 104 to share in the magic of classical music.
The Orchestra works with people of all ages, abilities, and background, helping to address inequalities throughout Oxfordshire. Our extensive outreach projects include visits to primary, secondary and SEN(D) schools across the county as well as a long-standing partnership local hospital wards.
The orchestra’s dedicated team of musicians run interactive performances and workshops in these settings with the aim of democratising engagement with and learning about music as well as bringing the joy of live music to those who may struggle to access the concert hall.
Student £5 tickets
From the very beginning, the OPO has been committed to welcoming young audiences. Our £5 ticket initiative, launched with the Orchestra in 1998, has allowed thousands of students and under-18s to experience live classical music — a figure that far exceeds the national average for classical concerts.
Community & Outreach
Family Concerts
In partnership with Oxford City Council, the Oxford Philharmonic hosts three annual ‘FUNomusica’ family concerts, crafted specifically for families with children under 8. These concerts provide young audiences with a welcoming introduction to live classical music. Each concert is designed to accommodate and encourage the natural energy of young children, allowing them to move, make noise, and participate freely, making classical music more accessible and enjoyable for even the youngest listeners.
Schools Projects
Each season, the OPO partners with public schools across Oxfordshire to deliver impactful music education and enrichment projects, fostering greater accessibility and engagement with music. These programs play a vital role in broadening music awareness.
The Orchestra holds regular workshops at local primary and secondary schools, at which
children meet to share their passion for music with their peers, and to receive instruction from the Orchestra’s appointed musicians.
In the annual Orchestral Workshop series, hosted in partnership with The Dragon School, OPO welcomes children from public primary schools across Oxfordshire to come together for a day of ensemble playing, led by a talented team of OPO musicians and culminating in a performance for friends and family.
Special Education Schools
Through visits to schools for children with special educational needs and disabilities, the OPO provides an opportunity to experience a variety of music, and to explore the way that sound is produced, shared and enjoyed.
Hospitals
Our regular visits to hospitals and accredited NHS facilities in Oxfordshire give patients the opportunity to attend a series of therapeutic, immersive workshops, where they sing, play and collaborate in musical pieces, use ability-appropriate/adapted instruments, and enjoy performances by professional musicians.
Testimonials From Staff and Children
‘It was such a great opportunity for our children to engage musically with professional musicians. The musicians who visited the school were so understanding of the needs of our students and the relationships they formed with the children really reflected this.’
‘The orchestra were so patient and professional with the students and my class got a lot out of the workshops’
‘We weren’t only playing music, we were making music!’
More Information
For further information please contact:
Camilla G Hellman MBE
Marketing Director
American Friends of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra
Address:
864,
Lexington Avenue,
2nd floor,
New York,
NY 10065