Posts in Ensembles
Southampton Music Hub launches a new year of life-changing music
Southampton Music Hub launches a new year of life-changing music
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September marks the start of a new school year, and see’s the launch of another year of life-changing music. In a year which commemorates a huge cultural landmark for the city — 400 years since the sailing of the Mayflower on a world-changing journey — Southampton Music Hub is using the power of music to take the city on a journey which improves the health and wellbeing of children, young people, families and communities.

Coming Up in 2019–20

Symphony 400: The Voyage

Composer James Redwood will work with 120 young musicians in primary schools to create new musical ideas inspired by themes from the Mayflower Journey. This music will then be learnt and performed by young musicians at secondary schools across the city, to be performed at the Mayflower Theatre in March.

Big Sing: The Journey

Mayflower Theatre has commissioned two new musicals that are inspired by the Mayflower 400 story and celebrate the theme of journeys. Southampton Music Hub will take songs from the two musicals in to city schools ahead of two huge performances at Mayflower Theatre in March.

Mayflower Celebration Events

Save the dates in your diary now — Thursday 5 and Friday 6 March 2020 — as Southampton Music Hub shares the stage at the Mayflower Theatre with over 1,200 performers from schools and communities. Over two nights of performance and participation, there will be a celebration of the musical and personal journeys the performers have been on as they share and celebrate the life-changing power of music.

And much more…

The coming year is jam packed with musical adventures. From 1,500 taking their first musical steps in First Access, through music lessons and ensembles that give every child the opportunity progress and perform, the hub supports young musicians at every step of their journey. From the Synthesis project for electronic music, through to family music lessons and workshops, the hub supports music of all types. Working with Southampton Cultural Education Partnership and hub partners, the hub connects schools and cultural organisations in the city.

Ensembles, Family Music, Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt Brombley
Celebrating a year of life-changing music for Southampton Music Hub
Celebrating a year of life-changing music for Southampton Music Hub
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On the last day of term, Southampton Music Hub is celebrating the end of an incredible year of life-changing music for the city’s young musicians in 2018-19.

The year was defined by one incredible story: a journey which started with 200+ of the city’s young musicians performing at the Royal Albert Hall in November; which saw that momentous event inspire over 40,000 hours of music-making with over 2,000 young musicians right across the city; and which ended with a huge celebration at Southampton Guildhall, with over 750 young musicians from over 45 schools performing in one day.

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Of course, there have been countless other amazing stories this year. Here are a few highlights:

Kath Page, Manager for Southampton Music Hub, says:
“Southampton Music Hub has gone from strength to strength this year, and we have been overwhelmed by the support from schools and partners that make that happen. Together, we continue to combine the exceptional and the everyday: with inspirational events, like the Royal ALbert Hall and Guildhall this year, driving new ambitions; through to delivering the music lessons and regular music groups which help turn new aspirations in to meaningful, life-changing skills and connections.”

Ensembles, Family Music, Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt Brombley
iPad group from Kanes Hill School bring the excitement of electronic music to city education conference
iPad group from Kanes Hill School bring the excitement of electronic music to city education conference
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As part of Southampton Music Hub’s Youth Music funded Synthesis Project, a group of 12 young electronic musicians from year six at Kanes Hill school have spent the past ten weeks in an iPad club: working together to create their own, new pieces of music, and developing their team work skills along the way.

On Wednesday 26 June, they shared a debut performance of their exciting and unique musical creation with the education teams at Southampton City Council. Performing at Solent University’s Palmerston Theatre, the group amazed and delighted the audience with their brand new piece of music, all created and performed using iPads.

Matt Brombley, Projects and Partnerships Manager for Southampton Music Hub, says:
“The young musicians did an incredible job, showing all the teams at the education conference that music is a powerful tool for helping us overcome the challenges we face in life. At the start their ten weeks together, there was a huge unknown for everyone — participants and music leaders alike — but by working together towards a shared goal, inspired by creating great music, they faced up to many challenges, and in doing so, both created an incredible performance and learnt important life skills for the future.”

Music in Schools, EnsemblesMatt BrombleySynthesis
Southampton Music Hub celebrates the end of a year of inspirational music for the city
Southampton Music Hub celebrates the end of a year of inspirational music for the city

350 Young Musicians Perform Symphony 125 at Southampton Guildhall

On Tuesday 2 July 2019, Southampton Music Hub celebrated a momentous end to an unforgettable year of music for the city with an exciting day of music-making and performances at Southampton’s O2 Guildhall.

Following an unforgettable performance at the Royal Albert Hall in November 2018 — an event which saw over 200 of the city’s young musicians perform alongside members of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO)  as part of a 600 strong ensemble at the Music for Youth Proms — Southampton Music Hub have spent the past six months sharing the music and inspirational experiences of this once-in-a-lifetime event with schools and communities across the whole city. 

Young ukulele players taking part in a massed playing event alongside 400 others.

In the afternoon, over 400 young musicians and singers — many of whom had only been learning their instrument of only a year — came together for a massed playing event, performing a special version of ‘Symphony 125’; the piece of music performed at the Royal Albert Hall.

In the evening, over 350 young musicians from across 45 city schools — over two thirds of the city’s schools — and thirteen music hub groups and bands performed an exciting programme of music to a packed out audience, including their own epic arrangement of ‘Symphony 125’, conducted by BSO CEO Dougie Scarfe and led by the song’s composer James Redwood.

Throughout July there will also be over 25 school concerts, involving nearly 1,500 young musicians. In total, over 2,000 young musicians will be involved in celebration events to mark the culmination of over 250 hours of workshops and lessons inspired by the Royal Albert Hall event.

Kath Page, Hub Manager for Southampton Music Hub, says:
“Our celebrations this week have been an incredible way to mark the end of an inspirational year of music for the city. Huge moments like the ones we’ve enjoyed this year — from the Royal Albert Hall to Southampton Guildhall — are a great way to inspire our young musicians with huge new ambitions. And, thanks to the incredible work of our schools, music leaders, instrumental teachers and workshop leaders, Southampton Music hub is helping make those dreams a reality by helping every child in the city make life-changing music every week.”

On Twitter, Councillor Darren Paffey said:
“Such a privilege to be there to hear Southampton’s young musicians perform with such passion, sensitivity and commitment. The Guildhall was absolutely bursting with talent tonight! Well done to everyone involved”

Image Gallery:

Ensembles, Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyAirplay, Acorn Strings, First Access, Elgar, Southampton Youth Strings (SYS), Southampton Youth Orchestra (SYO), Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS), Southampton Wind Band (SWB), Brassroots, Fusion Brass
Ukulele is "the best hobby... in my 70 plus years"
Ukulele is "the best hobby... in my 70 plus years"
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When David Martin joined the Sholing Ukulele group two years ago, he wasn’t expecting to find a hobby that would open up a brand new world of music-making.

The group, run by Louise Owen, is open to Ukulele players of all ages, and abilities, and introduced David to what he describes as “probably the best hobby I’ve ever had in my 70 plus year”.

Since joining the group, David has expanded his musical interest, playing in two other bands, and helping to bring together other community ukulele players.

David says: “From this beginning, my Grandson and his godfather have also been inspired to pick up a ukulele and have both have caught the ukulele bug. We all go off to gigs together. I have counted that I have played at 42 gigs or jams in the last three months — about half were for charitable organisations. One was for Children in Need in which twelve of us from Uke Box Glory (one of the bands I play with) played live on BBC TV.”

Music in the Community, Family Music, EnsemblesMatt BrombleyUkulele — Sholing
Talented Young Musician from Southampton secures place in National Children's Orchestra
Talented Young Musician from Southampton secures place in National Children's Orchestra
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Talented young musician, Lucy Gowans, has been offered a place in the under 13, National Children’s Orchestra for 2019. 

 Lucy plays the bassoon in three Southampton Music Hub ensembles — Southampton Wind Band (SWB), Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS) and Southampton Youth Orchestra (SYO) — as well as the violin in Southampton Youth Strings (SYS).  Lucy is also a music award holder.

Zoe Hunting, Service Manager for Southampton Music Services, says:
“We are always delighted to hear of young musicians from Southampton achieving at a national level. Lucy is a dedicated young musician who gives so generously of her time and talents to Southampton’s ensembles and she is an inspiration to the city’s younger players. We wish her all the very best in this exciting venture.”

EnsemblesMatt BrombleySouthampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS), Southampton Wind Band (SWB), Southampton Youth Orchestra (SYO), Southampton Youth Strings (SYS), Instrumental and Vocal Tuition
New string ensemble to launch in 2019 with FolkActive
New string ensemble to launch in 2019 with FolkActive
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In January 2019, a brand new folk string group launches: the FolkActive Youth Ensemble. The group is for intermediate (grade 3+) violin, viola, cello and double-bass players, and will be led by Chris Nichols of Threepenny Bit.

Music will be leant by ear and then used to explore the wider world of folk music. There will be a book for participants to take home, as well as handouts with extra music covered too.

Sessions will run on once a month, on Sundays, from 10am-1pm, at Richard Taunton Sixth Form College, starting on Sunday 13 January 2019. The cost is just £15 per term.

Music in the Community, EnsemblesMatt BrombleyHub Partners
Festive feelings arrive at Westquay Retail Park thanks to two young buskers
Festive feelings arrive at Westquay Retail Park thanks to two young buskers
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On Friday 14 December, two young musicians — woodwind players from Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS) — entertained Christmas shoppers and families in the city centre with a busking performance of festive music outside Decathalon in Westquay Retail Park. A key thoroughfare for shoppers traveling between Westquy and Ikea, the two performers delighted gathered onlookers and those passing by.

This performance was part of a series of musical events in Southampton City Centre, organised by Go Southampton and supported by Southampton Music Trust.

Matt Brombley, Projects and Partnerships Manager for Southampton Music Hub, says:
“This was a wonderful performance from two very talented young woodwind players, and a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy music at this festive time of year.”

Ensembles, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleySouthampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS)
Festive feelings come to Guildhall Square as Sholing Ukuleles rock around the Christmas Tree
Festive feelings come to Guildhall Square as Sholing Ukuleles rock around the Christmas Tree
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This evening — Wednesday 12 December — Sholing Ukulele Group brought festive feelings to Guildhall Square, rocking around the Christmas Tree with a rousing set of Christmas and festive songs. The performance, from 5.30-6pm, was part of a December music programme organised by Go Southampton, and supported by the hub and Southampton Music Trust.

Matt Brombley, Projects and Partnerships Manager for Southampton Music Hub, says:

“Even on a cold December evening, the Ukulele group from Sholing brought a warm excitement that entertained onlookers, skateboarders, shoppers and even attracted passers by to join in singing along.”

Ensembles, Family Music, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyUkulele — Sholing
Southampton's wind and brass bands perform joint concert
Southampton's wind and brass bands perform joint concert
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On Saturday 10 November two of the Southampton Music Hub’s flagship ensembles — Southampton Wind Band (SWB) and Southampton Youth Brass Band (SYBB) — presented a joint concert of a wide variety of music from all genres at Chandlers Ford Methodist Church.

Zoe Hunting, Service Manager for Southampton Music Services, say:
“Congratulations to both groups on their stunning performances and a magical evening of music. This was the first of what we hope will be a regular feature in the hubs concert programme of joint performances where students and their parents or carers can appreciate the music making of fellow young musicians from across the hub’s wide variety of orchestras, bands and other music groups.”

Ensembles, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleySouthampton Wind Band (SWB), Southampton Youth Brass Band (SYBB)
Celebrate the upcoming Christmas season with a festive concert for the whole family
Celebrate the upcoming Christmas season with a festive concert for the whole family
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On Saturday 8 December, Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCY) present “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”: a festive, family concert at Turner Sims, Southampton. Starting at 7pm, the program features family favourites, including music from “The Grinch”, “The Chronicles of Narnia” and a narrated version of “The Night Before Christmas”.

Matt Brombley, Projects and Partnerships Manager for Southampton Music Hub, says:
“As anyone who was lucky enough to catch their performance of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” last year will know, SYCS is a phenomenal group of young musicians, who, under the direction of Anna Robinson and Kevin Withell, have an incredible ability to capture and delight audiences of all ages. For all generations, this will be a spectacular concert that will bring the magic of Christmas alive.”

Ensembles, Family Music, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleySouthampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS)
Brass Bands, Billionaire Boys, Flying Santa: the countdown to Christmas in Southampton has begun
Brass Bands, Billionaire Boys, Flying Santa: the countdown to Christmas in Southampton has begun
Members os Southampton’s Youth Brass Bands performing ahead of the debut flight of Southampton’s Flying Santa

Members os Southampton’s Youth Brass Bands performing ahead of the debut flight of Southampton’s Flying Santa

On Thursday 16 November, across Southampton City Centre, people gathered to start the countdown to Christmas. In an event organised by Go Southampton, the evening’s entertainment included a performance from Southampton Music Hub’s Brass Bands, the debut of a brand new song from Billionaire Boy (a brand new musical coming to Nuffield Southampton Theatres (NST) next week), the turning on of the Christmas lights, and the debut flight of Southampton’s Flying Santa.

Performance of a new song from the new NST Musical, Billionaire Boy

Performance of a new song from the new NST Musical, Billionaire Boy

Ensembles, Family Music, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyHub Partners, Stadium Tour, Brassroots, Southampton Youth Brass Band (SYBB), Fusion Brass
Standing Ovation at the Royal Albert Hall when 600 musicians perform at Music for Youth Proms
Standing Ovation at the Royal Albert Hall when 600 musicians perform at Music for Youth Proms
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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:

Ensembles, Family Music, Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleySymphony 125, Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS), Southampton Youth Orchestra (SYO), Instrumental and Vocal Tuition, Family Orchestra
Dress rehearsal underway for Music for Youth Proms at the Royal Albert Hall
Dress rehearsal underway for Music for Youth Proms at the Royal Albert Hall
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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.

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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.

BSO125 - RAH Practice (40 of 40) [approved for use].jpg

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.”




Ensembles, Family Music, Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleySouthampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS), Southampton Youth Orchestra (SYO), Family Orchestra, Instrumental and Vocal Tuition, Symphony 125
Six hundred performers take part in an unforgettable rehearsal in preparation for Symphony 125
Six hundred performers take part in an unforgettable rehearsal in preparation for Symphony 125
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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.

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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.

Music in the Community, Music in Schools, Family Music, EnsemblesMatt BrombleySouthampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS), Southampton Youth Orchestra (SYO), Family Orchestra, Instrumental and Vocal Tuition, Symphony 125
Momentous massed rehearsal gets started at Mayflower Cruise Terminal
Momentous massed rehearsal gets started at Mayflower Cruise Terminal
Percussionists warming up, ready for rehearsal

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

Tuning up take teamwork…

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

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.

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

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

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Ensembles, Family Music, Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyStadium Tour, Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS), Southampton Youth Orchestra (SYO), Family Orchestra, Instrumental and Vocal Tuition, Symphony 125
Schools and families to complete a 600 strong line-up at the Royal Albert Hall
Schools and families to complete a 600 strong line-up at the Royal Albert Hall
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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.





Ensembles, Family Music, Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyStadium Tour, Family Orchestra, Symphony 125
Great Oaks iPad orchestra to join diverse Massed Ensemble performance at the Music for Youth Proms
Great Oaks iPad orchestra to join diverse Massed Ensemble performance at the Music for Youth Proms
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On Monday 5 November, an iPad Orchestra from Great Oaks (a school for young people with a range of complex learning difficulties) will join 200 young musicians from across the city, and 400 more from across the region, forming one of the most diverse Massed Ensemble groups ever to take to the Royal Albert Hall stage as part of the Music for Youth Proms.

They join a line up which includes some of the city’s most talented young orchestral players, members of Southampton’s Family Orchestra, and singers and musicians from schools across the city. Their performance on Monday night is part of a stellar line up from across the country, as part of the Music for Youth Proms 2018, performing a brand new piece of music by award winning composer James Redwood in celebration of BSO’s 125th anniversary.

Matt Brombley, Projects and Partnerships Manager for Southampton Music Hub, says:
“We’re delighted that Great Oaks school are joining us for this momentous performance. Led by Kelly Jo Peters, the hub’s SEND Music Advisor, Great Oaks music department has been pioneering the use of music technology for children with complex learning difficulties. To have them join us on stage at the Royal Albert Hall is a demonstration of the commitment of all involved — from music hubs, to Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, to schools — that there is no limit to what can be achieved by our young musicians, whatever their instrument, whatever their background, and whatever challenges they face in life.”



Music in Schools, Music in the Community, Family Music, EnsemblesMatt BrombleyStadium Tour, Symphony 125
City’s talented young orchestral musicians join a stellar line up at the Royal Albert Hall

As part of the countdown to Symphony 125 at the Royal Albert Hall next week, Southampton Music Hub is shining a spotlight of some of the young musicians who will be part of the 600 strong massed ensemble that will perform alongside Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at this momentous event.

Today, the spotlight turns to some of the city’s most talented young orchestral musicians: the members of Southampton Youth Orchestra (SYO) and Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS) who will be part of the 200 young musicians coming from across the city.

Matt Brombley, Projects and Pernterships Manager for Southampton Music Hub, says:

“The members of SYO and SYCS represent some of the city’s most talented young orchestral players. Over many years of hard work, determination and effort they have demonstrated the resilience required to become top-tier young musicians. Our hope is that by performing at the Royal Albert Hall — a world-renowned venue — as part of this once-in-a-lifetime event, they will be inspired to believe that there is no limit to where their musical ambitions can take them.”

Music in Schools, Music in the Community, EnsemblesMatt BrombleySouthampton Youth Orchestra (SYO), Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS), Stadium Tour, Symphony 125
The countdown to 125 begins...
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Exactly one week today — on Monday 5 November 2018 — 200 young musicians from across Southampton will take part in a momentous performance of Symphony 125 at the Royal Albert Hall. Along with a further 350 young musicians from Isle of Wight, Poole and Bournemouth, the new massed ensemble will be joined by 13 members of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Frank Zielhorst.

This remarkable event is part of Southampton Music Hub’s annual Stadium Tour programme, which brings inspiring and inclusive music experiences touring across the city. In past years, the Stadium Tour has brought world-class musicians in to schools and the community. This is the first time the Stadium Tour has ever taken the young musicians to a world-renowned venue outside the city.

Music in Schools, Ensembles, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyStadium Tour