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Trinity Laban today announced a new long-term partnership with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra aimed at increasing professional development for young musicians across the South of England as well as increasing the diversity of the UK orchestral profession.

The partnership extends to BSO’s ground-breaking Change Makers project, which has created a training programme for disabled conductor and artistic leader James Rose. BSO and Trinity Laban have also paired up for the unique Side by Side series, in which principal BSO players perform alongside and offer mentorship to Trinity Laban students. As part of this mentoring programme, students and recent graduates will be given the opportunity to work with BSO Participate and BSO Associates, two programmes which deliver outstanding community engagement across the Southwest.

The BSO and Trinity Laban both share an ambition to redefine the role of the symphony orchestra and conservatoires in the 21st century. Both have identified a gap between higher education and professional practice and so as part of their new partnership Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will offer Trinity Laban students and recent graduates coaching, training and performance opportunities.

Clare Mera-Nelson, Director of Music, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, said:

“We’re delighted today to be able to announce our partnership with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, which marks the coming together of a world-class orchestra with a leading music conservatoire. Trinity Laban has a long history of excellence in training performing musicians and of making high quality learning opportunities available to those who might not otherwise be able to access them. This partnership is an exciting new initiative which supports us all in striving to make real long-term change.”

BSO and Trinity Laban will work also together to identify talented and committed young instrumentalists and composers from communities currently under-represented in the profession including Black & Minority Ethnic, particular socio-economic backgrounds and disabled musicians. By providing support, advice, professional insight and mentoring to help them achieve entry to conservatoires the combination of the BSO and Trinity Laban will help these young musicians pursue careers as orchestral musicians and soloists. 

Dougie Scarfe, Chief Executive of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, announced the partnership in a speech at the opening day of the Association of British Orchestra’s conference, which is this year hosted by the BSO. He said:

“Much needs to be done in the orchestral sector to increase diversity and the range of opportunities available to young players from disadvantaged backgrounds. There’s also a gap between the professional orchestral sector and conservatoires. Trinity Laban shares BSO’s passion for change in these areas and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to team up with them on a range of initiatives that we believe will make a real impact on young people’s professional development.” 

Image: JK Photography