Philharmonia Orchestra

The Philharmonia Orchestra's Community & Education Department works with all sections of the community, seeking to develop interest and enthusiasm for music in the lives of adults, children, families and communities.

Whether in London, Bedford, Leicester or Bristol, members of the Philharmonia Orchestra regularly work over a range of events and workshops including creative music workshops, special performances for families or schools, study days, masterclasses and composition or performance training. Inspired by the Orchestra’s main programme, Community & Education activities reflect the needs of the local community, creating opportunities where priority is given to the quality of experience for everyone.

Highlights of current work include: the Sound Exchange website, which provides high quality educational materials for a diverse range of users, including an interactive library of sound samples recorded using Philharmonia Orchestra musicians; Sound Ideas, a music technology project in which young people learn to develop their sound ideas which are integrated into electro-acoustic performances; Education Music of Today programme, which provides opportunities for young composers to write for members of the orchestra; a network of youth advisory councils called Sound Boards for young people to contribute their ideas to the orchestra; school programmes in London, Bedford and Leicester (for example, a project called School Links that provides children in Lambeth with a high-quality music-making experience and strengthens the links between primary and secondary schools by giving pupils from different years and schools the chance to come together in a dynamic music project); Study Days and Pre-Concert Talks which give learners the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the music featured in the Philharmonia Orchestra's artistic programme through discussions and symposiums by expert guest speakers; and Family Music Days which introduce orchestral music to children aged 5-11 and their families in a relaxed and fun environment.