LSO Discovery
Our world-leading learning and community programme brings the Orchestra and its music to everybody.
LSO Discovery enriches lives through the transformative power of music, with a year-round programme of inspiring, inclusive opportunities for performers, creators and listeners of all ages. Every year we reach 50,000 people through nearly 1,000 workshops and events, using the power of music to enhance wellbeing, and sharing the knowledge and experience of the LSO family to encourage creativity, potential and talent to flourish.
Creative Music for Young People
We aim to ensure all young people have access to inspirational opportunities to learn about, listen to and participate in music, instilling a life-long love for the artform. Our fun, participatory Family Concerts and Key Stage Concerts at the Barbican introduce children to music and the instruments of the orchestra. We also have an ever-growing range of digital resources available for use in the classroom or at home, and our Continuing Professional Development programme supports teachers in delivering a creative music curriculum.
Young people can get actively involved in music-making through LSO On Track, our programme of performing projects in partnership with East London Music Education Hubs, which includes the LSO East London Academy and Next Generation. Our LSO Discovery Choirs encourage young people of all abilities to find their voice and experience the joys of singing.
Music Skills for the Next Generation
Through practical guidance, mentoring and coaching, we are helping to build a future generation of musicians that reflects the society we live in. The Pathways scheme nurtures the personal and professional development of aspiring orchestral players who may have faced barriers to their progress, while our close collaboration with the Guildhall School of Music & Drama on their Orchestral Artistry programme supports Masters students seeking a career in orchestral playing. We also work with string players at the start of their career, providing opportunities to gain professional concert experience with the LSO, through the String Experience scheme.
There are major opportunities too for early-career composers through the LSO Panufnik Composers, Soundhub and Jerwood Composer+ schemes, where participants are encouraged to experiment with and develop their writing for a full orchestra or chamber ensemble. Meanwhile the biennial Donatella Flick LSO Conducting Competition bridges the gap between conservatoire training and professional life for early-career conductors.
Music in Our Community
Through music we can enrich lives, and help people connect with each other and their communities. Our musicians make visits throughout the year to hospitals, early years and adult day centres, using music to respond to health and wellbeing challenges. Further specially tailored activities include LSO Create for neurodiverse adults, their carers and supporters, where group members compose, improvise and create music together.
We work closely with community partners to deliver projects that have the greatest impact for local people, such as LSO Connect, which aims to bring live music to sometimes isolated older local residents. We also support community-led initiatives including the Community Gamelan Group and the St Clement’s Community Choir.
Finally, everyone is invited to discover more about music as a listener in our Free Lunchtime Concert series at LSO St Luke’s, which includes specially tailored performances, particularly suitable for people more comfortable attending a concert in a relaxed environment where they are free to move around and make noise.
Support Our Community and Learning Programme
Through LSO Discovery we work with 50,000 people every year from all backgrounds, and we invest around £2.7m a year to ensure our community and learning projects can be enjoyed at little or no cost to participants. Your support can help us do more, and to keep making a transformative impact through music.
Email development@lso.co.uk to find out how you can make a difference.
