Aruna Chaudhuri, Communications Officer, shares her first experience of an Orchestras Live project.

New Connections, our partnership with Leeds Conservatoire, gives students hands-on training in orchestral community music. The final concert, Hidden Histories, explored the life of Joseph Bologne - an overlooked violinist, conductor, and composer of African descent.

Walking into Leeds Conservatoire for New Connections’ Hidden Histories culmination concert, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. As a newer member of the Orchestras Live team, this was my first experience seeing one of our projects in action – and as soon as I walked into the rehearsal room, it was clear why this programme matters so much.

Hidden Histories explored the remarkable life of Joseph Bologne: violinist, conductor, composer, and one of the most accomplished – and unjustly overlooked – figures in classical music history. Born in Guadeloupe to an enslaved African woman and a French nobleman, Bologne rose to become one of the most celebrated musicians in 18th-century France. It was a fascinating theme, and one that clearly sparked thought and creativity in the young people involved.

From rehearsal to the final concert, it was great to see the collaboration and teamwork that went into the creation and performance of the music. From the primary school students of Kerr Mackie Primary School – who were performing in an orchestral setting for the first time – to the secondary school students of Roundhay School, and Conservatoire students who had been developing their music leadership skills throughout the project, everyone brought something to the table. I was particularly struck by how well they coordinated with Manchester Camerata, Leeds Conservatoire Orchestra, and the music leader, Pete Letanka.

Throughout the New Connections programme, Manchester Camerata musicians and student trainee music leaders had been working with the children and young people to encourage them to find their own voice in songwriting, composition and performance. At the final concert, three brand new pieces written by the young people made their way onto the stage, along with Pete Letanka’s own work, and pieces composed by Joseph Bologne. Seeing the children’s creative ownership reflected on stage was truly inspiring.

Especially at a time when arts education in the UK is under real pressure, the impact of giving these young people a genuine space for creative expression was clear to see. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and you could see in the room exactly what a project like this builds: confidence, collaboration, and a set of skills that extend well beyond music. Learning to work with a professional orchestra, to listen, to lead, and to contribute to something impactful – these are all lessons that stay with you.

To me, Hidden Histories was a reminder of everything that is possible when young people are given the means, the support and the freedom to create and perform. Being there to witness one of our projects’ culminating concerts for the first time was a tangible way for me to understand the importance of our tagline: “orchestras are for everyone”.