Schools Concerts
Orchestra Unwrapped is our long-running programme of schools’ concerts.
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 2025/26 Orchestra Unwrapped concerts in Basingstoke, London and Leicester are now open.
Booking for Orchestra Unwrapped in Bedford will open soon. To be the first to know when bookings go live, please sign up to our mailing list by emailing orchestra.unwrapped@philharmonia.co.uk with your name, school, school address and your email.
2025/26 concert dates:
- Tuesday 4 November 2025: Basingstoke (The Anvil), 1pm
- Monday 23 March 2026: London (Royal Festival Hall), 12.30pm and 2.30pm
- Wednesday 6 May 2026: Leicester (De Montfort Hall), 1pm
- Thursday 21 May 2026: Bedford (Bedford Corn Exchange), 1pm
Concerts last for one hour.
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. Please visit the links below to complete your booking.
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.gg
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 2025/26: it’s our 80th birthday!
In the 2025/26 season, the Philharmonia celebrates its 80th anniversary. We’d love to invite you and your students to join us on an unforgettable journey through time. Step into our musical time machine as we celebrate eight decades of the Philharmonia’s rich and remarkable history – from our very first concert in 1945 to today.
Together, we’ll visit milestone moments in the Philharmonia’s history. Along the way, we’ll explore the historic events that shaped not just the world, but the Orchestra itself.
Come and celebrate 80 years of music, memories and magic with us!
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
