Arts & Culture
Able Astonishes The Albert Hall
Proms
Able Orchestra (AO) is an inclusive music and digital project, open to all, and which supports young people from Nottinghamshire who are aged 11-25 and have a physical and/or learning disability, and/or who are neurodivergent. The project aims to develop skills and confidence in making and performing music and digital art through inclusive and accessible approaches.
Produced by Inspire Youth Arts, the Able Orchestra (AO) project provides a range of FREE opportunities including Able Orchestra Taster Workshops, regular weekly term time group ensemble sessions, performance opportunities, and leadership work for young people who are keen to develop their skills in music and digital creativity further.
The Able Orchestra (AO) project team includes professional artists with specialisms in music making, production and live performance, and digital creatives with a range of innovative digital skills. Able Orchestra supports a group of young leaders – the Pioneers who are both young independent musicians, and who work as a group towards collective collaborations. The Pioneers are mentored by Kris Halpin and Nicci Craig of Dyskinetic and work towards their own music and digital creative interests and performances and help lead the direction of the broader Able Orchestra work.
Get Involved
Able Orchestra Taster Workshops
Would you or a young person you know like to get involved with music and digital creativity? Then join us at a FREE Able Orchestra Taster Workshop!
Visit the taster page for more information: Able Orchestra Taster Workshops 2025 | Inspire - Culture, Learning, Libraries
Able Orchestra Ensembles
Able Orchestra North Ensemble:
Able Orchestra North is open to all, and supports young people from Nottinghamshire who are aged 11-25 and have a physical and/or learning disability, and/or who are neurodivergent.
When: Wednesdays during term-time, 4:30-6.00pm
Venue: Portland College, Nottingham Road, Mansfield, NG18 4TJ.
For more information, to discuss access requirements and to register please contact:
Megan Dawes:
Email: megan.dawes@inspireculture.org.uk
Tel: 07768023181
Able Orchestra South Ensemble:
Able Orchestra South is open to all, and supports young people from Nottinghamshire who are aged 11-25 and have a physical and/or learning disability, and/or who are neurodivergent.
When: Starting in Spring 2025 to a South Nottinghamshire location.
Venue: To be confirmed.
Able Orchestra is funded by Arts Council England and is supported by a steering group whose membership represents local, regional and national partners supporting inclusive music and digital creative development work for young people.
Able Orchestra project highlights to date include appearances at the Hockley Hustle and Soundstage festivals, cross-genre collaborations with Big Fish Little Fish, Next Door Dance and champion beatboxer THePETEBOX; and co-productions with Orchestras Live. In 2016, Able Orchestra was invited to perform at the BBC Ten Pieces Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.
