Orchestras for All partners with global advisory firm Hakluyt

Orchestras for All (OFA) is delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with leading global strategic advisory firm Hakluyt, ahead of the charity’s campaign launch for the Big Give Christmas Challenge.

The partnership comes as OFA aims to amplify its impact supporting young people aged 11-19 in the UK, who would not otherwise experience the benefits of group music-making due to the daily barriers they face – whether that’s as a result of physical disability, a mental health condition or learning difference, economic deprivation, rural isolation, or living in care or as a young carer.

This marks a pivotal moment for OFA, with Hakluyt’s generous support and advisory expertise advising on navigating challenges and maximising opportunities significantly enhancing its ability to fulfil its charitable mission, and increase access to musical opportunities for young musicians, regardless of their background or personal circumstances, through its three inclusive programmes.

OFA’s Executive Director, Nick Thorne, said:

“The Hakluyt team have been offering in-kind support since 2022 and for this, we are incredibly grateful. In 2024, Hakluyt has also committed to donating to OFA, making this relationship one of our most significant corporate partnerships to date, offering both financial support and advisory services.

 

“This critical funding will not only help OFA continue providing its life-changing musical programmes but also enable its participation in the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2024. Through this campaign, OFA aims to raise vital funds to ensure more young people can access inclusive and transformative music-making opportunities.”

Hakluyt is a global strategic advisory firm working to help leading companies on their most pressing commercial issues.

National Orchestra for All performs at CBSO Centre in Birmingham

In addition to its financial contribution, Hakluyt’s global connectivity will open new avenues for OFA to connect with like-minded individuals and organisations that align with OFA’s mission and values. By leveraging these connections, the charity will be better positioned to grow its impact, sustain its operations and break down significant barriers to music education.

Kayo Yoshida, who co-leads Hakluyt’s work with Orchestras for All, said:

“Orchestras for All does invaluable work sharing the benefits of music with children who have often been shut out of creative opportunities. I am personally delighted to be working with them and look forward to our partnership flourishing over the coming years.”

Alexandra Davison, who also co-leads Hakluyt’s work with the charity, commented:

“The opportunities that Orchestras for All offers can be life-changing for young people. The myriad benefits of musical education to children’s development and educational attainment are well-known, and Orchestras for All is an organisation with a proven track record of widening access to music for the children who need it most.”

One of the most exciting prospects of this partnership is the potential for OFA’s young performers to showcase their musical skill at Hakluyt’s events.

These live performances would offer OFA’s young musicians invaluable opportunities to demonstrate the transformative power of music to new audiences, while also gaining experience and building their confidence. This would enable OFA to elevate its young advocates but also highlight the deep impact OFA’s vital work has on their lives.

National Orchestra for All pianist, Noah, said:

“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 that I’ve made some of my closest friends.

 

“The music is catchy, and the staff are absolutely amazing. If you want to play an instrument and they don’t already have it, they’ll find tutors to help you join in. I feel so proud to be part of this organisation and I so look forward to what’s next of it.”

A Modulo guitarist rehearses at Royal Academy of Music

A participant from OFA’s summer 2024 Modulo Programme added:

“Modulo is amazing because you have the opportunity to play in a group, you learn brand new pieces that you never even thought you would play, and the people here are super nice – they’ll help you no matter what skill level you are.”

Finally, the announcement of OFA’s new partnership with Hakluyt comes at a crucial time as the charity prepares to launch its Big Give Christmas campaign on Tuesday, 3 December 2024.

Hakluyt’s support has enabled OFA’s participation in this campaign, which will strengthen its ability to fundraise and offer inclusive music-making activities to young people nationwide.

On behalf of everyone at OFA, we would like to thank Hakluyt for its continued belief in our mission and look forward to sharing further updates on this partnership over the coming weeks. Together, we can continue to transform young lives through the power of music.

If you’ve been inspired by our work and would like to discuss opportunities with Orchestras for All, please contact our Head of Fundraising, Isabelle Acred, at isabelle.acred@orchestrasforall.org.

Please donate what you can to Orchestras for All.