Classical Music News

Bournemouth Symphony Launches Music Leaders Pilot Program

February 16, 2022

2 MIN READ

Launched last month by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO), the BSO Young Associates is a bursary-supported program launched for young people who are currently underrepresented in the UK’s arts workforce.

It was recently reported by the Arts Council that people who identify as disabled, or who are from Black, Asian, or Ethnically Diverse backgrounds, accounted for just 7% and 13% of those working in the UK’s creative industries respectively.

The BSO's new initiative will provide tailored mentoring and experiences for passionate individuals between the ages of 18-26.

In a press statement released by the orchestra, Head of BSO Participate Bea Hankey commented: “Whether you’re an instrumentalist, producer, or singer-songwriter we want to hear from you! We’re looking for people who are natural communicators, with an unshakable passion for the empowering impact of music and a desire to create positive change at the heart of our communities. In exchange, you’ll receive mentoring from leading practitioners and experiences to help catapult the start of a rewarding arts career.”

“Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s vision is to be the cultural heartbeat at the core of our communities, both in and beyond the concert hall — the launch of the BSO Young Associates programme is an exciting moment and we can’t wait to welcome our new recruits," said Dougie Scarfe, Chief Executive of BSO. “The programme has been funded by a philanthropic community through the Big Give campaign, and with additional support from Allianz Musical Insurance, showing the depth of desire to ensure that doors are being held firmly open to the next generation of young people looking to create and shape their place within this brilliantly creative industry.”

The BSO Young Associates program is open for applications until Thursday, March 3, 2022.