Meet our partner, Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub. We’re working with them to engage even more children and young people in music-making.

Our Featured Partner spotlight introduces one of our partners, providing insight into the different ways we collaborate with a broad range of organisations.

Here we chat with Head of Service, Alison Brain, to hear more about their experience of working in partnership with us.

Which organisation do you work for and what does your role involve?

I lead Norfolk Music Service and oversee the Music Hub - supporting music education for young people across both Norfolk and Suffolk.

My role involves leading an amazing team that works to ensure that children and young people across our geographical area have access to high-quality music education and experiences.

We collaborate with schools, organisations, families, community groups and partners to create inclusive opportunities that inspire musical learning and participation throughout our region.

What do you most enjoy about your role?

What I love most is seeing the transformative power of music in action - whether it’s a student picking up an instrument for the first time, a young person performing with a professional orchestra, or a community coming together through shared musical experiences.

Music has the ability to connect, uplift and empower and being part of that journey is just so incredibly rewarding.

How did you hear about Orchestras Live and when did you begin working with us?

I first worked with Orchestras Live during my time in Lincolnshire where we collaborated on a number of inspiring projects that brought orchestral music to young people who might not otherwise have had access to it. The creativity, inclusivity and ambition of those experiences left a lasting impression on me.

When I moved into my current role in Norfolk, nearly ten years ago, I was keen to continue that partnership and build on the amazing opportunities that Orchestras Live helps to create. Right from the early stages, it quickly became clear that our values aligned - particularly around inclusion, co-creation and community impact and that partnership has just gone from strength to strength.

What’s the most memorable thing about the partnership?

There have been many memorable moments, but one that stands out is our Share Sound collaboration which brought together young people from across the area to collaborate with professional orchestras in creating and performing original music.

What made it so special was the way it centred young voices - not just as performers, but as composers and storytellers. The project gave space for personal expression, built confidence and fostered a real sense of ownership. Seeing young people from different backgrounds come together, support one another and produce something so powerful and authentic was genuinely moving.

It captured everything our partnership with Orchestras Live stands for: creativity, legacy and meaningful impact.

How has the partnership impacted your community?

The partnership with Orchestras Live has brought significant social value to our community. It’s not just about concerts or projects - it’s about connection, confidence and cultural enrichment.

The partnership programmes we have been involved in over the years have enabled young people to explore their identities, collaborate with others and feel heard. These experiences build resilience, foster belonging and contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive society.

Orchestras Live is celebrating its 60th birthday this year! What excites you most about the future of our partnership?

I’m excited about continuing to push boundaries together - exploring new ways to engage young people, embracing digital innovation and deepening our commitment to equity and inclusion.

Orchestras Live has always been forward-thinking and I’m really looking forward to co-creating projects, alongside our partners, that reflect the voices and needs of our communities in fresh and meaningful ways.

Describe working with Orchestras Live in three words.

Collaborative. Visionary. Transformative.