Attend the National Orchestra For All’s free concert this August

The inspiring young musicians of National Orchestra for All (NOFA) are inviting people to its free, final concert of the season: ʻSounds of Change’.

Taking place on Thursday 1 August 2024 from 3-5pm at Birmingham’s CBSO Centre, this event is relaxed, family-friendly and promises to be a memorable experience for performers and attendees alike.

Following two years of powerful group music-making at leading arts venues nationwide, NOFA is ready to showcase the hard work and incredible achievements of its inclusive ensemble through a diverse programme of live music.

Chosen in collaboration with the young people Orchestras For All works with, pieces that audience members can expect to hear include ʻHornet’ and ʻReflection’, taken from Christopher Larkin’s gripping soundtrack for video game, Hollow Knight, arranged for NOFA by Emily Lim.

Pianist Noah talked about NOFA, saying: “NOFA is a second home for me ‒ a second family, a safe space. I can’t recall any moment here that I haven’t enjoyed. I feel respected and heard and it’s here I’ve made some of my closest friends. The music is catchy and the staff are absolutely amazing! I feel so proud to be part of this organisation.”

With music often mirroring the social, political and cultural shifts occurring in society, some of the repertoire chosen under NOFA’s artistic theme, ʻSounds of Change’, is intended to highlight times of significant change or movement.

NOFA will therefore be celebrating the Midlands and its fascinating history by playing James Brady’s haunting arrangement of ʻGhost Town’, written by Jerry Dammers in 1981 and made famous by British two-tone band, The Specials.

Repertoire also includes the ʻAllegro’ movement of Symphony No. 1 in E minor ‒ a sonorous, lyrical work penned by American classical composer, Florence Price, arranged for Orchestras For All by Simon Tong.

Plus, there will be solos, small group performances and original NOFA compositions to be heard, such as ʻStrength in Numbers’, which the ensemble created in collaboration with Birmingham-based multi-instrumentalist, Joe Broughton.

Aged between 11 and 19, NOFA members come together from diverse backgrounds and cultures, from all corners of the country, and have been able to experience the joy of playing in an orchestra regardless of the daily barriers they might be facing and take ownership over their learning.

On an individual level, ʻSounds of Change’ represents the personal growth and development that NOFA musicians experience. This could include mastering new skills, making new friends, growing in confidence and finding a deeper sense of identity through musical expression. NOFA violinist, Meicha, said: “NOFA is just a wonderful community and experience for young people across the UK.”

Orchestras for All strives to make its concerts accessible to all, so ʻSounds of Change’ is free to attend.

However, the charity welcomes donations and would like to thank each of its individual supporters and loyal NOFA funders ‒ including Arts Council England, Department of Education, Garfield Weston Foundation, Foyle Foundation, Association of British Orchestras Sirens Fund, Finzi Trust, Schroder Charity Trust and Wavendon Foundation ‒ for making this life-changing programme possible.

Book tickets here.