At 7.45pm on Monday 5 November 2018, 600 musicians from Southampton, Isle of Wight, Poole and Bournemouth, alongside Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO), made their way on to a darkened Royal Albert Hall stage whilst the Azaad Dhol Group performed. Following an introduction from host Remel London, and a brief introduction from composer James Redwood, at 7.51pm, under direction from conductor Frank Zielhorst, the 600 strong massed ensemble hit their first powerful and purposeful note… followed by two more… followed by a further five. Symphony 125 had officially begun.

When the last note rung out at just past 8pm, the hall rose to their feet in a show of awe and appreciation. The months of hard work had paid off, and these young musicians had hit heights of achievement that left the audience delighted and amazed.

Since September 2018, all involved had been hard at work: young musicians from Southampton Music Hub, Isle of Wight Music Hub and Soundstorm Music Education Agency, coached by their teachers, musical directors and members of the BSO. For all involved, this was the event of a lifetime, and it has only been made possible thanks to a huge community effort: Associated British Ports kindly donated a free rehearsal space; Red Funnel and Solent & Wightline Cruises provided discounted transport; Teachers, musicians, parents and friends all gave countless hours of time and energy to support this momentous event.

Watched by friends, families and local supports, many took to social media to praise their performance:

WOW standing ovation for @MusicHubSouth and @bournemouthsymph at Royal Albert Hall @musicforyouth. pic.twitter.com/KcOrE9Pmfo

— Mayor of Southampton (@TheSotonMayor) November 5, 2018

Bursting with pride!! Over 600 young musicians aged 6 & up from Southampton & IOW @MusicHubSouth, @SoundStorm_ & @BSOrchestra knocked it out of the park with the mass ensemble #Symphony125, specially written for tonight. Well done every single one of you! #MFYProms pic.twitter.com/NtsRriezK7

— Darren Paffey (@darrenpaffey) November 5, 2018

Wow! A spectacular end to the first half of our first #MFYProms with the @BSOrchestra @SoundStorm_ @MusicHubSouth & @IOWMusicHub massed ensemble with the brilliant Symphony 125 composed by James Redwood! pic.twitter.com/orTydogFh5

— Music for Youth (@musicforyouth) November 5, 2018

This is what 576 @MusicHubSouth performers looks like #mfyproms pic.twitter.com/8OYuAoroWM

— Paul Swindale (@paulswindale) November 5, 2018

What an amazing, breath taking moment @RoyalAlbertHall with @MusicHubSouth #MFYProms and @BSOrchestra for #symphony125 absolutely joy! pic.twitter.com/Az16rQ4e7v

— James Gough (@GJamesGough) November 5, 2018

Words can’t describe how proud we are of all involved in @staffroommug #Symphony125 at the @musicforyouth Proms this evening. True partnership and inclusion #BSOParticipate @SoundStorm_ @IOWMusichub @MusicHubSouth @LivabilityUK What a performance! pic.twitter.com/5g3tFuJLcQ

— Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (@BSOrchestra) November 5, 2018

Massed ensemble with @BSOrchestra @SoundStorm_ @MusicHubSouth @IOWMusicHub #MFYProms WOW! pic.twitter.com/Xv6hTvbz0k

— Music Mark (@musicmarkuk) November 5, 2018

I can't put into words how fab last night was. So much talent, energy, smiles, noise and one or too proud parents as well!! Well done to all involved and for providing our children with a memory they will always treasure

— Paula van Breda (@BabavB) November 6, 2018

@MusicHubSouth Thanks for giving my students, staff and I the opportunity to share our iPad playing in the Royal Albert Hall. So lovely to make music with everyone together. My students were already asking when we’re performing next, hehe

— Kellyjo Peters (@kellyjopadmusic) November 6, 2018

@MusicHubSouth outstanding at #RoyalAlbertHall pic.twitter.com/2SIEMJ8PX2

— Rebecca Kinge (@kinge_rebecca) November 5, 2018

After a morning coach journey to London, all 600 performers from Southampton, Isle of Wight, Poole and Bournemouth have arrived at the Royal Albert Hall this afternoon, ready for their momentous performance of Symphony 125 with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at the Music for Youth Proms this evening.

For all involved, this is the event of a lifetime, and it has only been made possible thanks to a huge community effort: Associated British Ports have kindly donated a free rehearsal space for all 600 musicians, providing the opportunity to practise together ahead of the big night; Red Funnel and Solent & Wightline Cruises have provided discounted transport, enabling all 200 young musicians (and their friends and family) from the Isle of Wight to make the journey across the Solent; Teachers, musicians, parents and friends have all given countless hours of time and energy to provide rehearsals and lessons ahead of the big night.

Matt Brombley, Projects and Partnerships Manager for Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hubs, says:
“There is an incredible buzz in the air this afternoon. From the moment we arrived to gasps of amazement on the coaches, through to setting up and rehearsing in our places for this evening: this awe inspiring venue has encouraged each and every young musician to raise the level of their own performance to match their world-class surroundings. We’re so excited to be part of tonight’s stellar lineup, and to share Symphony 125 with the world.”

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Yesterday (Saturday 3 November) 600 performers gathered at Mayflower Cruise Terminal for an unforgettable rehearsal ahead of their momentous massed ensemble performance at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday 5 November.

Brought together by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, young musicians from Southampton Music Hub, IOW Music Hub and Soundstorm Music Education Agency rehearsed a brand new piece of music — Symphony 125 — written to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the BSO.

The ensemble represents a huge diversity of sounds: a wide range of instruments — from iPads to violins to trombones and more; a huge range of ages and abilities — from young singers to high-flying young musicians to members of the BSO; and a broad range of backgrounds — players from schools across the region, including those with special educational and physical needs.

The rehearsal venue for the day — Mayflower Cruise Terminal — has been generously donated by Associated British Ports, enabling all 600 musicians to rehearse together for the day. Red Funnel and Solent & Wightline Cruises have provided discounted transport for the rehearsal and Monday event, enabling all 200 young musicians (and their friends and family) from the Isle of Wight to make the journey across the Solent.

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Percussionists warming up, ready for rehearsal

At 10am this morning (Saturday 3 November 2018), Mayflower Cruise Terminal plays host to a massive massed rehearsal for 600 musicians from across Southampton, Isle of Wight, Poole and Bournemouth.

Brought together by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, in celebration of their 125th anniversary, they are rehearsing a brand new piece of music — Symphony 125 — which they will perform at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday 5th November.

Views over the Solent provide the backdrop to a momentous rehearsal at Mayflower Cruise Terminal.

ABP Staff have been helping at the rehearsal, generously donating the venue and their time to help 600 musicians rehearse for the performance of a lifetime.

The Mayflower Cruise Terminal has been kindly donated by Associated British Ports (ABP). On a normal working day, the huge departures lounge would be a gateway to the world for cruise travellers. Today, it is the gateway to a once-in-a-life time performance at a world-renowned venue for the performers from across the region.

Members of the Family Orchestra rehearse their parts ahead of the massed rehearsal.

Lottie and Jess, members of the Southampton Family Orchestra, says:
“We’re very excited to be here. It’s so much fun, and we can’t wait for our performance in London. You can really feel the excitement in the room!”

ABP Staff have been helping at the rehearsal, generously donating the venue and their time to help 600 musicians rehearse for the performance of a lifetime.

Byron, percussionist in Southampton Youth Orchestra, says:
“Thank you so much to ABP for giving us the opportunity to rehearse in such an amazing space — we hope we have entertained the staff who have looked after us so brilliantly today!”

Tuning up take teamwork…

Two guitarists helping get ready to play their part (in tune) ahead of the massed rehearsal

There are all kinds of instruments being played. This is a photo of an eye-gazer musician practicing his part in a massed ensemble of instruments and voices.

Photo Gallery: Getting ready for a momentous rehearsal at Mayflower Cruise Terminal

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Symphony 125 is a joint project from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Southampton Music Hub, IOW Music Hub, and Soundstorm Music Education Agency.

School children from across the city, and members of Southampton’s Family Orchestra will complete a diverse and exciting line up of performers when 200 performers from Southampton join a 600 strong Massed Ensemble at the Music For Youth Proms.

Taking place on Monday 5 November at the Royal Albert Hall, this will be the performance of a life time for all involved, including pupils from Upper Shirley High, Shirley Junior, Wordsworth Primary, Hollybrook Junior, Highfield CE Primary, Banister Primary, St Denys Primary, and Shirley Warren Primary Schools.

Since September 2018, all involved have been hard at work — coached by their teachers, musical directors and members of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra — learning the exciting new piece of music which they will all perform together at the Royal Albert Hall. A massed rehearsal on Saturday 3 November will be the first, and only, chance the performers will have to play the piece all together ahead of its high profile public debut.

And whilst the buses will return in the early hours of Tuesday 6 November, the fun is far from over. Inspired by the Royal Albert Hall performance, Southampton Music Hub will share the incredible new music from this magical event with all schools in the city. Workshops, performances and event on The Stadium Tour will allow the teachers, musicians and young musicians to share the music, and their incredible experiences, from the Royal Albert Hall throughout the year, leading to celebration events in July 2019.

Joining a stellar line up of fantastic musicians at the Music for Youth Proms 2018 this November, Music for Youth have announced Southampton Music Hub as part of this year’s Massed Ensemble performance projects.

On Monday 5 November, over 200 young musicians from Southampton’s ensembles, schools, and Family Orchestra will join with 200 young musicians from IOW Music Hub, and a further 200 from SoundStorm Music Education Agency in Poole and Bournemouth, to perform alongside members of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) in a momentous performance at the Royal Albert Hall.

Together all 600 musicians will perform a new piece of music by composer James Redwood, in celebration of BSO’s 125th anniversary. This is one of the largest, and most varied, Massed Ensembles to ever perform at the proms.

Tickets to experience the proms at the Royal Albert Hall are available now through the Royal Albert Hall Box Office online or by calling 020 7589 8212.

This Saturday, Carribbean music comes to Guildhall Square, as Southampton Music hub host two hours of free bamboo tamboo workshops, as part of Music in the City

On Saturday 29 September, from 2–4pm, Southampton Music Hub will be hosting two hours of free family music-making workshops in Guildhall Square as part of the Music in the City festival. Making use of an exciting Caribbean instrument — bamboo tamboo — the free percussion workshops will be open to all ages and abilities: there is no need to bring an instrument, simply come along and join in with the free, fun activities taking place across the afternoon. 

Matt Brombley, Family Music Programme Manager for Southampton Music Hub, says:
"Making music together is a great way for families to enjoy time together, learn new skills together, and have great fun doing it. Music in the City is a wonderful community event, and Southampton Music Hub are proud to be one of the diverse range of community musicians, venues, volunteers and businesses who take part, especially on this momentous, 10th anniversary celebration."

On Sunday 1 July, over 150 people, from families of all shapes and sizes, came together at Turner Sims Southampton for a spectacular celebration of Family Music. 

Following six months of free music-making workshops across the city, over 30 performers — including members of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and rock band Groove Merchant — came together in a morning workshop to put the finishing touches to their performances. An incredible joint finale performance was brought together by workshop leader Neil Valentine, joined by Fiona Funnell, from Family Singing, and Aidan Hampson, from Family Rock Jam.

Starting at midday, the Family Music performers delighted an audience of over 120, which included attendees of all ages, and special guest, Councillor Peter Baillie, the Sheriff of Southampton.

The diverse musical programme included a new composition from Family Orchestra, inspired by the sounds of the waterfront; a capella songs from across the world, with Family Singing being joined on stage by a giant bear for their final song; a rousing performance by Groove Merchant which included a version of Shut Up and Dance With Me; and the debut performance of the collective finale song, only first put together that morning — a phenomenal new Family Anthem, drawing on music inspirations from Coldplay to Sister Sledge!

Our Family Music groups coming together for the first time - @ValentineNeil from @BSOrchestra leading a workshop where they’re putting a brand new piece of music together to perform at @TurnerSims at midday! pic.twitter.com/cplYMhO1Fe

— Southampton MusicHub (@MusicHubSouth) July 1, 2018

What a fantastic joyous event! Bravo everyone!

— Neil Valentine (@ValentineNeil) July 1, 2018

Thanks for putting on. What a great way to spend some Saturday mornings and finishing with this concert. Our family had fun contributing clarinet, voice, occasional xylophone and trains (littlest might be active next time!). Please do this again.

— Graeme Day (@graeme_day) July 1, 2018

It doesn't matter if you've been to one, many, or none before, Family Orchestra is back with a free workshop this Saturday morning, 10am, at Moorlands Community Centre.

Joined by members of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra,  Family Orchestra is open to players of any standard, any age, and any instrument — everyone is welcome! You can bring your own instruments, or use one of the free percussion instruments provided.

Southampton Music Hub and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra presents Family Proms — a spectacular celebration of music performed by, and for, families of all shapes and sizes from across the city.

Family Proms includes the chance to hear bass instruments as you’ve never heard them before, with performances from In at the Deep End: a quintet of musicians from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra consisting of four of the lowest orchestral bass instruments — tuba, trombone, bassoon and double bass — plus percussion.

In at the Deep End will be joined by performers of all ages and abilities from the free Family Orchestra, Family Singing and Family Rock Jam workshops currently taking place across the city, alongside Fiona Funnell and Groove Merchant.

Family Orchestra continues its journey around the city, arriving at Woolston Community Centre on Saturday morning, where members of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will lead another exciting, creative music-making session for player of all ages and abilities. 

On Saturday 24 March 2018, Southampton Music Hub and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra were joined by families of all shapes and sizes for a Family Orchestra workshop at The Ashby Sure Start Centre. The orchestra created new musical ideas to go with their pieces of music inspired by the songs "We Are Family" and "Viva La Vida". 

After a week away because of the snow, Family Orchestra is back this weekend, with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra bringing an exciting and creative music-making workshop to the Ashby Centre on Saturday morning. 

Suitable for families of all shapes and sizes — any standard, any age, any instrument welcome!

On Saturday 10 February 2018, Southampton Music hub and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra were joined by over 35 player, or all ages and abilities, for a Family Orchestra workshop at St Deny's Church Hall. 

Made up of brand new players — including one young boy picking up his brand new trumpet for the first time — and experience players — including returning members from last year's workshops — the orchestra created a brand new piece of music together, inspired by the songs "We Are Family" and "Viva La Vida".

Following on from last week's Family Singing workshop, where more than 25 singers of all ages and abilities enjoyed singing together, this week, the Family Orchestra returns with a free music making workshop at St Deny's Church Hall.

Join members of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in a free Family Orchestra that is open to any one — any standard, any age, any instrument welcome. 

Musicians can bring their own instrument if they have one, or can use one of the free percussion instruments provided.

On Saturday 27 January 2018, over 400 children, young people and adults, from all across the city, came together at Central Hall to take part in free workshops and performances as part of Southampton Music Hub's Music Fayre.

The day opened with Acorn and Elgar string groups performing together for a growing audience of families, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Southampton, who then officially opened the Music Fayre. After the official opening, the Mayor and Mayoress joined Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and over 150 players of all ages and abilities, picking up a "Bamboo Tamboo", to be part of the biggest open-access, Family Orchestra the city has ever heard. 

Throughout the day free music workshops and performances included choirs — Delicious Sounds, Family Singing, Sing Out and Sing Force — as well as community music groups and ensembles — Pulse8, Ukulele Groups, Folk Active and Family Rock Jam — and families were also greeted by performances from some of the city's most talented "Award Holder" musicians. Southampton Music Hub, Hayes Music, CoMA South and Friends of Southampton Youth Orchestra also hosted stalls on the day.

Matt Brombley, Interim Hub Manager for Southampton Music Hub says:
"It was an incredible pleasure to host the Music Fayre again this year: proudly sharing Southampton's diverse musical communities; and inspiring families to take part in making music together. With free Family Music workshops now travelling around the city throughout the Spring, families of all shapes and sizes can find out how making music helps make lives better!"

At the @MusicHubSouth Music Fayre launching the 2018 Southampton Family Orchestra! Celebrating BSO's 125th Anniversary year by creating a new song from scratch based around the numbers 125. #BSOParticipate pic.twitter.com/MxnPv0PfGX

— BSO (@BSOrchestra) January 27, 2018

On Saturday 27 January 2018, Central Hall plays host to a jam-packed programme of music workshops, performances and stalls at Southampton Music Hub's Music Fayre. Joined by hub partners as well as local music and arts organisations, families of all shapes and sizes can come and join in with music activities suitable for all ages and abilities.

This weekend, a free Family Singing workshop with Fiona Funnell (formerly 'Choral Clans') will join an exciting programme of workshops and performances at Southampton Music Hub's Music Fayre. Taking place on Saturday 27 January 2018, and running from 11am-3pm at Central Hall, the Music Fayre is jam packed with a wide variety of music making activities for families of all shapes and sizes. 

Matt Brombley, Interim Hub Manager for Southampton Music Hub says:
"Singing is a great way for families and communities to come together, connect with others, and share the incredible health and wellbeing benefits that come from making music together. The Music Fayre this weekend will be a great opportunity to try the free Family Music opportunities that are taking place across the city in the coming months, leading to the city's first Family Proms in July."

Following last years huge success, the Family Orchestra, run in partnership with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, returns this weekend — bigger and better than ever! 

As part of Southampton Music Hub's Music Fayre on Saturday 27 January 2018, a huge, open-access, Family Orchestra workshop will be take place in the main hall of Central Hall meaning that players of all ages and abilities can be part of, what will likely be, the biggest open orchestra the city has ever heard!

Matt Brombley, Interim Hub Manager for Southampton Music Hub says:
"This is the perfect chance for brand new players, and rusty ones alike, to grab an instrument — or use one of the free instruments provided — and have a go at making music together. From those learning a musical instrument in school, to those who've never played before, it really doesn't matter, as long as you're willing to give it a go — any instrument, any age, any ability — everyone is welcome!"

This weekend, families of all shapes and sizes can be part of the free music workshops and performances at Southampton Music Hub's Music Fayre. From 11am-3pm on Saturday 27 January 2018, Southampton Music Hub will joined at Centrall Hall by hub partners and local music and arts organisations to proudly share Southampton's diverse musical communities.

Matt Brombley, Interim Hub Manager at Southampton Music Hub says:
“This year is the biggest year ever for families to make music together in Southampton. Launching at the Music Fayre, free Family Orchestra, Family Singing and Family Rock Jam workshops will mean that players and singers of all ages and abilities, can share the life-changing power of making music together. With the help of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Fiona Funnell, and Groove Merchant, families of all shapes and sizes can find out how making music can help make lives better!”