The OPO Academy and Community & Outreach Program
Inclusivity lies at the heart of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, and its vast programme aims to bring transformative musical experiences to the entire community.
The OPO’s ground-breaking position as Orchestra in Residence at the University Oxford is the pinnacle of its education programme, offering top-of-the-range tuition and performance opportunities to tomorrow’s finest musicians. The Orchestra also works with Oxfordshire County Music Service and Oxford City Council to bring fun-filled music-making to children in primary and secondary schools across the county, as well as visiting local hospitals and retirement homes to share a love of music.
The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra has been firmly committed to education and community & outreach since it was founded in 1998 providing free, world-class tuition to children and young people throughout Oxfordshire. Below, learn how we inspire children, inculcating in them a love of music and helping them to follow their passion for an exciting career in music performance.
The OPO works with young people of all ages, levels, and backgrounds, helping to address inequalities in music education throughout Oxfordshire. In the past 25 years, we have transformed Oxford into an international center of classical music education. Participants in our education programs have gone on to perform with every major orchestra in the UK, and have won prizes including the Leeds International Piano Competition and BBC Young Musician.
The Academy Program
The Academy Program offers life-changing opportunities to young musicians up to age 26.
Oxford Piano Festival
The Oxford Piano Festival was established to bring the most talented young pianists and renowned teachers from all over the world to Oxford for an intensive series of masterclasses and evening concerts. In its 25-year history, the Festival has established itself as a vital destination for aspiring young musicians, piano teachers and piano enthusiasts. The Festival’s President is Sir András Schiff, while its Patron is Alfred Brendel.
Tertiary Education
As the Orchestra in Residence at the University of Oxford, we offer students unique opportunities to receive tuition from members of the Orchestra and take part in masterclasses from visiting international artists, including Lang Lang, Anne-Sophie Mutter and Maxim Vengerov. Additionally, students benefit from paid recital performance opportunities, apprenticeships in orchestral practice, an orchestral side-by-side scheme, and the chance to premiere full orchestral works, fostering the growth of emerging composers.
We partner with the Oxfordshire County Music Service to support the development of young talent through training programs and the annual Oxfordshire Concerto Competition.
Our commitment to accessible classical music for students and young people is demonstrated by our £5 ticket programme for students and under-18s, resulting in over a quarter of our audience being under 25 – significantly higher than the national average for classical music performances.
Secondary Education
We have forged a close partnership with the Oxfordshire County Music Service to provide secondary school-aged students with recital and orchestral side-by-side opportunities. Our annual Concerto Competition sees young musicians from across the county compete for prestigious prizes including the opportunity to perform a concerto with the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra at a Main Season concert at the Sheldonian Theatre.
Community & Outreach
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.
Family Concerts
In partnership with Oxford City Council, the Oxford Philharmonic hosts three annual ‘FUNomusica’ family concerts at Oxford Town Hall, crafted specifically for families with children under 8. These concerts provide young audiences with a welcoming introduction to live classical music, a rare opportunity for families in Oxford. 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 Work
Each season, the OPO partners with approximately 25 public schools 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.
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.
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