BE INSPIRED 2025

Bristol Ensemble’s new project BE Inspired was launched in Spring 2024 to bring Bristol Ensemble performances and interactive learning experiences to children who may otherwise be unlikely to access live music and culture.

This year, we’re celebrating a huge achievement of visiting 17 schools across Bristol, Swindon and North Somerset and reaching over 4700 children!

“It was so good I thought I might cry” 

Child

BE Inspired includes:

• Visits to schools by an orchestra of 13 professional freelance musicians, the minimum number required for louder, more complex pieces – essential to creating a powerful and memorable experience for the children.
  
• A performance of engaging, relevant and fun classical and contemporary pieces. Programmes have included the theme tunes from Mario, Wallace and Gromit, Frozen and Star Wars mixed with traditional pieces such as The Sailor’s Hornpipe and Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.
  
• An interactive session where strings, woodwind and brass instruments are introduced, and children ask questions and get involved. This usually includes having a go at conducting – something the children have really enjoyed!

“It is easily one of the best cultural experiences our children get to be a part of!” 

Music Lead

We hope to continue to work with the schools visited and will offer further opportunities to develop ongoing musical engagement. This may include more Bristol Ensemble or Preludes Music visits, access to digital resources via our new online portal (currently under development) and/or invitations to become part of our network and attend or participate in our other musical events.

“We have seen an increase in the number of children in our school wanting to take up musical lessons, and we will be starting a school singing group and music assemblies in response to their enjoyment of music during your performance.” 

Music Lead

Following the success of this second year, and the positive feedback we have received from schools and children, we are now planning next year and hope to visit 21 schools.

We are hugely grateful to the people who have supported this exciting and much-needed project. Without you, BE Inspired would never have happened, and these children would never have had this experience. Thank you.

“When I’m older, I’d like to be in an orchestra!” 

Child

BE Inspired relies on charitable donations. If you are interested in supporting the project, or would like more information, please contact development@bristolensemble.com