One hundred young musicians celebrate Orchestras For All’s 2021 virtual festival
Hattie Fisk
Friday, August 6, 2021
Orchestras for All launched its first online music festival from 27–30 June, aiming to create a virtual community for young musicians, providing workshops, tutorials and performances.
Over 100 young members of the National Orchestra For All (NOFA) attended the event on Zoom, accompanied by a team of orchestral tutors, wellbeing specialists and volunteers from across the country.
Three special guests attended the event: jazz trumpeter Byron Wallen; beatboxer James Botcher; composer Jack McNeill. The trio hosted a selection of the 40 workshops on offer throughout the festival.
The NOFA is the only completely inclusive national orchestra in the country, and has now launched a new season of work titled The Way We See It; this aims to be a musical portrayal of youth voice, with an emphasis on equality, diversity and inclusion.
NOFA festival 2021
NOFA trombonist and young leader, Haseeb, told funders and donors: ‘Thanks to you, I’ve had the opportunity to work with musicians my age from all around the UK, developing both my social and musical skills.’
Ambassador and former NOFA member, Kate, said to funders: ‘Thanks to you, I’ve been able to support young people in their journey to music-making, helping them to adjust to the reality that we will (hopefully) be in person in the winter and building the confidence that they need to come and enjoy an in-person session with us as well as an online session.”