PRIMARY school aged children in Poole, Bristol, Exeter and Portsmouth have a chance to experience live music, starting at Portsmouth Guildhall on 22nd January, with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s series of free Explore the Orchestra concerts.

With the addition of a digital concert, broadcast live from Poole’s Lighthouse arts centre in May, the project enables thousands of young people to enjoy the excitement of live music from a full orchestra. The events feature a mix of live music – including two interactive songs featuring body percussion and Makaton signs, created in partnership with schools. Classroom teachers across the region have benefitted from the BSO’s specialist training and resources ahead of the events.

The annual event is a highlight in the calendar for primary schools and home schoolers across the South West – with many groups returning each time with a new cohort of pupils. The BSO leads continuing professional development sessions for teachers in advance of the interactive events, along with resource materials to prepare pupils to get the most from the concerts.

Pupils in Bristol, supported by Bristol Beacon, have worked with composer James Redwood – who hosts the concerts from the stage – on this year’s participatory songs, which are based on the four elements of the natural world.

The orchestra’s performances in May at Poole – unveil new participatory songs, one of which explores the power of the human voice and has been created in partnership with pupils from the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) region, supported by SoundStorm Music Education Agency. Mezzo soprano Felicity Buckland joins James on stage for these four performances.

Music by composer Dani Howard – who is the BSO’s Celebrated Composer throughout the 2025/26 concert season – features in Bristol, Exeter and Portsmouth. The BSO’s Calleva assistant conductor Enyi Okpara conducts all eight performances – Okpara was announced as one of Classic FM’s Rising Stars in 2025 and is known for his passion for bringing orchestral music to life for pupils.

Lucy Warren, the head of BSO Participate, says: “We believe that witnessing a symphony orchestra in full flight can be awe-inspiring and exhilarating – watching thousands of primary-aged pupils and teachers have this collective experience is truly thrilling and affirms why we exist to bring music into people’s lives.”

The BSO’s Explore the Orchestra tour visits Portsmouth Guildhall on 22nd January, the University of Exeter on 30th January, Bristol Beacon on 27th March and Poole Lighthouse on 19th and 20th May. See bsolive.com for full details.

Pictured: The BSO works with schools throughout the year ©Corin Messer