Liverpool Philharmonic partners with British Double Reed Society

Liverpool Philharmonic has announced a new partnership between its learning and engagement programme, In Harmony Liverpool and instrumental foundation the British Double Reed Society.

The partnership will see the British Double Reed Society provide financial and in-kind support to In Harmony for an initial period of three years from 2024-2027. The collaboration will focus specifically on providing support, activity, and events to In Harmony students playing double reed instruments. 

Society chair James Turnbull said: ‘The British Double Reed Society is thrilled to be supporting In Harmony with a grant that will help in fostering the growth of double reed playing in Liverpool and its surrounding areas. In Harmony have a proven track record for improving access to instrumental music tuition and the BDRS looks forward to developing its partnership with In Harmony to bring the opportunity of double reed music making to more people’. 

Launched in February 2009, Liverpool Philharmonic’s In Harmony Liverpool programme provides free music education and instrumental tuition to over 1,700 children across eight locations in the Anfield and Everton districts, two of the city’s most disadvantaged communities. Scheme participants, over 40% of whom are classed as living in poverty, have the opportunity to learn an instrument, sing, compose, listen, rehearse and perform together, led by professional musicians.

Liverpool Philharmonic Head of Learning Zoë Armfield said: ‘This unique partnership will have a significant impact on In Harmony, further developing the skills of our double reed players as well as expanding overall provision. The BDRS network will allow our young people to share their enthusiasm with like-minded musicians across the UK, and we look forward to working together in staging accessible and exciting double reed events over the next three years.’