The impact our work has in communities

Our latest Review shows the direct impact we had on the communities we worked with in 2023/24, as well as the sector we operate in.

We believe orchestras are for everyone

We are a national producer, working to increase access to world-class music experiences.
We believe that people from all backgrounds, areas and ages should have access to high quality music opportunities.
We focus our work on communities who currently have less access to the performing arts.
We encourage orchestras to think about the impact they have beyond the stage.
We work to change people's hearts and minds about what an orchestra can be.

Group of people on stage with musicians. They are all happy and have their arms in the air

Our work in 2023/24 has resulted in...

project partnerships

locally based partners

orchestra partners

41,045

orchestral experiences

It brought my mum to life. The music helped her remember
Project participant

We work with a diverse range of partners and communities.

We use music as a way to enable people to fulfil their potential and enjoy healthy, happy lives.

Our projects are collaborative in nature; shaped by our participants' passions and needs.

Our work leaves behind healthier, stronger creative communities, and ensures everyone has equal access and opportunities.

Two white women dancing together with a white male cellist in the background

Good Company: creative support for people living with dementia and their carers

Love Stories: audio music trail telling the love stories of Scarborough’s community

Young boy in music workshop stands, man plays piano as the boy dances

New Connections: creative music leadership and talent development

Deaf Perspectives: local history inspiring the deaf community in Bury St Edmunds

48%

of produced work took place in/with Levelling Up For Culture areas

51%

activity budget spent on Levelling Up For Culture communities

Working with Orchestras Live, means we can collaborate with a first class, inspirational orchestra and deliver meaningful, life-impacting projects.
Partner Organisation

We advocate for the vital role that music plays in improving people's lives and support local communities to build their aspirations.

We use our influence to champion positive change in the orchestral sector.

We aim to be a force for positive change in key areas:

Diversity and inclusion
Environmental sustainability
Social value and impact

Musicians in a care setting. A woman smiles and shakes an older man's hand as other play instruments in front of them

Orchestras in Healthcare: reporting on orchestras' contributions to UK health and social care

Carbon foot printing: calculating the environmental impact of our operational work

Image shows a choir of older women singing with a group of percussionists from a care home in front of them. They are taking part and performing in a community concert.

Social Value Engine: piloting a new tool to measure the social value of cultural projects

Tea Break: building communities where people feel represented and accepted

Watch this episode

86%

of partners would not have produced this activity without us

78%

of stakeholders see us as a changemaker in the sector

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and felt so overwhelmed to be given such a fantastic opportunity.
Project participant

We are an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.

Our funding in 2023/24 has enabled us to:

invest in new team roles to allow us to reach more communities in England
test new ways of working with our current partners and communities
extend our influence and leadership within the orchestral and wider culture sectors

Close up of group of women playing instruments

Community Impact Coordinators: new team members driving positive change within local communities

A group of people stand infront of a Brit Awards sign, smiling to the camera

Music trailblazer: campaigning for more equitable access to the wider music sector

BBC Proms at Great Yarmouth. Wide shot of musicians from the audience

Seascapes showtime: Create Yarmouth first at the BBC Proms

Our Insta highlights: see the team's favourite moments from 2023/24

Find out more

97%

of participants had a positive experience

90%

of participants have increased feelings of belonging

87%

of participants report positive impact on their mental health

Our opportunities to feel involved in the community are limited. This made us feel included.
Partner Organisation

We are extremely grateful for the support we have received from our funders and partners in 2023/24, which allowed our vital work to flourish.

In particular, for the financial support we received from:

Arts Council England, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Scops Arts Trust and the Garfield Weston Foundation.

Love Stories participants playing instruments

Our 2023/24 funders and partners

Find out more

Image of a man of Asian heritage sitting on a stage with an Indian musical instrument in his left hand and a bow in his right hand

Ways to support our work

Support us

Orchestras Live

Our Impact 2023/24