Supporting young people

Our work with local people begins with schools, colleges and youth music groups. We are delighted that young musicians from the excellent North Bedfordshire Youth Chamber Orchestra, as well as local schools, are joining us as members and benefiting from the experience of performing with a full symphony orchestra.

For a number of years the Bedford Sinfonia has supported young musicians from the Bedfordshire Festival with a concerto workshop. Our stars of the future get the chance to rehearse and perform one of their favourite concertos with a full orchestra in front of an audience, often the first time they have done so.

We are also running a project which allows young people to attend our concerts free of charge so that they can experience the joy and excitement of attending live music events. We work directly with local schools to promote this initiative – please contact us for more information.

During this season we are collaborating with Bedford Greenacre Independent School to support Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Lyadov’s The Enchanted Lake in February 2025. Year 6 students will create artwork related to this fabulous music and will see it displayed during the performance. It should be a unique and rewarding experience!

The BOS Committee has many other exciting ideas for improving our collaboration with and support for young people in the community, and we always welcome suggestions and invitations from potential partners. 

For more information on any of the above please contact [email protected]. 

“It’s inspired me to practise! There’s such a high level of playing and musicianship! I appreciated the fact we got free tickets – it meant many more of us from NYBCO could come.”

Hannah, NBYCO student

“I just want to say a huge thank you to Bedfordshire Orchestral Society for granting me and my fellow youth orchestra members to attend the recent Bedford Sinfonia concert…”

Nelly, NBYCO, leader of the cello section

“I really enjoy being part of BSO. I love the music as it’s challenging. I enjoy the rehearsals as I get to see my friends there too!”

Olivia, NBYCO student and BSO member