CLASSICAL MUSIC
Children from all backgrounds need classical music education. Differences in economic capital are not the only thing that drives inequality in society. Cultural capital matters, too. Along with many in the orchestral sector the London Symphony Orchestra has the Discovery department of specialists in music learning and a programme of initiatives created with experts in their field and LSO musicians on introducing music, and nurturing musicians from the very earliest years through to later life. Our focus is on our local communities in East London, the City of London and South Islington, but much of what we do is available to all online and as digital resources.
WHAT IS LSO DISCOVERY
LSO Discovery enriches lives through the transformative power of music, with a year-round programme of inspiring, inclusive opportunities for performers, creators and listeners of all ages. Every year we reach 50,000 people through nearly 1,000 workshops and events, using the power of music to enhance wellbeing, and sharing the knowledge and experience of the LSO family to encourage creativity, potential and talent to flourish.
CREATIVE MUSIC FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
We aim to ensure all young people have access to inspirational opportunities to learn about, listen to and participate in music, instilling a life-long love for the artform.
Workshops and concerts for under-5s allow little ones to get up close to the instruments of the orchestra, and to enjoy moving to new sounds and songs. For older children our fun, participatory Family Concerts and Key Stage Concerts at the Barbican introduce music and the instruments of the orchestra through a theme.
We also have an ever-growing range of digital resources available for use in the classroom or at home, and our Continuing Professional Development programme supports teachers in delivering a creative music curriculum.
Young people can get actively involved in music-making through LSO On Track, our programme of activity in partnership with East London Music Education Hubs, which includes opportunities in mainstream and special education school settings, through to high-level coaching, mentoring and performance opportunities for young instrumentalists.
ABOUT LSO ON TRACK
LSO On Track has a key objective of creating environments for young people to flourish, both musically and personally – wherever they started from musically, socially, economically and culturally. Like an orchestra, LSO On Track aims to build communities made up of people and organisations, greater than the sum of their parts.
The initiative provides a diverse programme which reflects the variety of individuals who make up the communities of East London, bringing together the skills and expertise of many people. The programme includes activities for primary school teachers and their pupils, for special schools and young people with learning disabilities, for young musicians to both devise their own new music and receive high-level coaching from LSO musicians, plus opportunities to perform in world-class venues, and much more.
The LSO East London Academy, part of On Track, aims to identify and develop the potential of young instrumentalists aged eleven to 18 through a programme of intensive coaching and training sessions. particularly encouraging those from backgrounds underrepresented in orchestras or who face barriers to other high-level progression opportunities.
LSO On Track is a partnership between the LSO and ten East London Music Services, and their Music Education Hub, in collaboration with the Barbican and Guildhall School of Music & Drama. It is generously supported by the Irving Memorial Trust and the Aldgate and Allhallows Foundation.
ABOUT NEXT GENERATION
Next Generation is a creative ensemble that gives young musicians from East London the opportunity to work with LSO musicians to develop new music. Beginning by learning and developing fragments of musical material by ear, young musicians improvise new musical ideas using their instruments and. With the guidance of LSO musicians, they negotiate and make compositional decisions about what material to keep and how to develop it. The project creates an environment where it is safe to take risks, and which enables young musicians to thrive and excel in ways they did not expect. Next Generation is generously supported by the Kirby Laing Foundation.
MUSIC SKILLS FOR THE MUSICIANS OF TOMORROW
Through practical guidance, mentoring and coaching, we are helping to build a future generation of musicians that reflects the society we live in. In addition to the LSO On Track partnership, our Pathways scheme nurtures the personal and professional development of aspiring orchestral players who may have faced barriers to their progress. Plus, our close collaboration with Guildhall School of Music & Drama on their Orchestral Artistry programme supports Masters students seeking a career in orchestral playing. We also work with string players at the start of their career, providing opportunities to gain professional concert experience with the LSO, through the String Experience scheme.
There are major opportunities too for early-career composers through the LSO Panufnik Composers, Soundhub and Jerwood Composer+ schemes, where participants are encouraged to experiment with and develop their writing for a full orchestra or chamber ensemble. Meanwhile the biennial Donatella Flick LSO Conducting Competition bridges the gap between conservatoire training and professional life for early-career conductors.
Through music we can enrich lives, and help people connect with each other and their communities. Our musicians make visits throughout the year to hospitals, early years and adult day centres, using music to respond to health and wellbeing challenges. Further specially tailored activities include LSO Create for neurodiverse adults, their carers and supporters, where group members compose, improvise and create music together.
We work closely with community partners to deliver projects that have the greatest impact for local people, such as LSO Connect, which aims to bring live music to sometimes isolated older local residents. We also support community-led initiatives including the Community Gamelan Group and the St Clement’s Community Choir.
Finally, everyone is invited to discover more about music as a listener in our Free Lunchtime Concert series at LSO St Luke’s, which includes specially tailored performances, particularly suitable for people more comfortable attending a concert in a relaxed environment.
Dame Kathryn McDowell DBE, DL
Managing Director, London Symphony Orchestra
