Schools Concerts
Orchestra Unwrapped is our long-running programme of schools’ concerts.
Book for Orchestra Unwrapped 2026/27 here
Orchestra Unwrapped is our schools’ concert series for Key Stage 2 pupils, presented in London, Leicester, Bedford and Basingstoke. The programme offers thousands of children from many different backgrounds the opportunity to hear a live orchestra. The concert is accompanied by learning resources to explore music in the classroom.
“Orchestra Unwrapped was really awesome. I thought the music was relaxing for a moment… then it made you want to dance.”
Herrick Primary School pupil, Leicester
About the project
What to expect
An exciting programme of music based on a theme, presented by a music education specialist and played by the Philharmonia, one of the world’s great orchestras.
INSET teacher training, equipping teachers with the skills to maximise the concert experience for their pupils. Classroom exercises introduce the concert repertoire, as well as developing personal creativity, expression, confidence and group work skills.
An opportunity for children to take part in an interactive audience participation piece with the Philharmonia live in concert.
Accompaying in-school creative workshops designed to prepare children for the concert visit, bringing to life the players, instruments and programme.
Art projects linked to the repertoire, giving pupils the chance to have their work displayed during the concert.
Suitable for all children; as well as mainstream schools, Orchestra Unwrapped concerts are regularly attended by special schools, hospital schools and home educated children. Materials and activities can be tailored as required.
Partnerships with music hubs: enable young instrumentalists to perform side-by-side within the Orchestra during the audience participation piece. Young musicians receive coaching from Philharmonia players in advance.
Need to know
Booking for our 2026/27 Orchestra Unwrapped concerts is now open.
2026/27 concert dates:
- Wednesday 10 February 2027: Leicester (De Montfort Hall) – Book for Leicester
- Thursday 11 March 2027: London (Royal Festival Hall) – Book for London
- Wednesday 17 March 2027: Bedford (Bedford Corn Exchange) – Book for Bedford
Cost: the cost of participating in Orchestra Unwrapped is £4 per student, and teachers or adults attend for free. If you are a SEND provision, please make this clear in your booking so we can accommodate any additional needs and support staff required.
How to book: booking for Orchestra Unwrapped takes place online. Booking links will be available on this page as soon as they open.
After we have processed your booking, we will send you a short questionnaire, which will include whether your group has any accessibility requirements.
Please be aware we cannot guarantee wheelchair user spaces due to limited capacity at the venues. Should you require a wheelchair space, please contact the Learning & Engagement team promptly after making your booking at orchestra.unwrapped@philharmonia.co.uk or call us on 0800 652 6717.
Can I make changes to my booking request? Yes – if you would like to make any changes, please contact the Philharmonia Learning & Engagement team on orchestra.unwrapped@philharmonia.co.uk or call 0800 652 6717.
Orchestra Unwrapped 2026/27: Out of this World!
The theme of our 2026/27 Orchestra Unwrapped concerts is ‘Out of this World’. It will be a chance for students to hear music that makes them look up and consider life beyond their immediate surroundings. They’ll be learning about planets and stars, and considering myths and legends that challenge the way we see the world we live in.
Subscribe to our mailing list
To sign-up to our mailing list, please email orchestra.unwrapped@philharmonia.co.uk, telling us your name, school, school address and school email.
Supporters
William Delafield Charitable Trust