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 and Bedford. 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
Key features
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.
Orchestra Unwrapped 2024/25
In our 2024/25 Orchestra Unwrapped concerts, join us on an epic adventure as we embark on a musical journey through the stunning landscapes of the Nordic region. We’ll explore oceans, forests and mountains through the works of prominent Nordic composers such as Grieg and Sibelius and discover ways we can help protect and preserve the natural world.
The concert will be devised especially for Key Stage 2 pupils and is suitable for all children. As well as mainstream schools, Orchestra Unwrapped concerts are regularly attended by SEND schools and home-educated children. Materials and activities can be tailored as appropriate.
Need to know
Our 2024/25 Orchestra Unwrapped concert booking is now open.
2024/25 concert dates:
- Monday 2 December 2024: Leicester (De Montfort Hall)
- Thursday 6 March 2025: London (Royal Festival Hall)
- Wednesday 19 March 2025: Basingstoke (The Anvil)
- Friday 21 March 2025: Bedford (Bedford Corn Exchange)
Cost: the cost of participating in Orchestra Unwrapped is £4 per student, plus 1 free teacher ticket per 10 students. Additional staff tickets are priced at £4 per teacher. 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: to book tickets for Orchestra Unwrapped, please fill out the booking form on this page. If you would like to join the waiting list for a sold-out concert, please complete a booking form to register your interest.
What next? Once you have submitted your online booking form, you will receive an automated response acknowledging your request for tickets. The Philharmonia Learning & Engagement team will review all booking requests and, if your application has been successful, you will receive a booking confirmation and invoice.
You can expect to receive a response from the Learning & Engagement team within one month of submitting your booking request form. Please note that your booking is not guaranteed until you have received a booking confirmation and invoice.
Can I make changes to my booking request once I’ve submitted the form? Yes – if you would like to make any changes, please contact the Philharmonia Learning & Engagement team on orchestra.unwrapped@philharmonia.co.uk or call 020 7921 3904.
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.