More than 6,000 schoolchildren will be performing in a large-scale orchestral concert at Bradford City Football Club as part of a project giving youngsters the opportunity to sing or play an instrument.

Bradford Music Service has joined forces with Southbank Sinfonia – a 32-piece orchestra and orchestral academy that nurtures young musicians – for the two-year programme.

The project – part of the Government’s Wider Opportunities scheme, giving every child the chance to play an instrument or sing – addresses needs identified by Bradford Music Service. which is boosting opportunities for children with little or no access to instruments and few opportunities to hear or perform classical music.

The main focus will be a Big Sing And Play concert at Valley Parade on May 25, featuring 94 primary schools. It will be filmed and later shown on the Big Screen in Centenary Square.

Each child will take part in a specially-commissioned work requiring them to either sing or play a musical instrument.

Bradford Youth Orchestra and Southbank Sinfonia will also perform a programme of orchestral music, allowing the youngsters to enjoy the excitement and energy of a live professional orchestra.

Tony Johnson, head of music and arts service Education Bradford said pupils in 82 per cent of primary schools in the district now have access to an instrument, from recorders to cellos. After last year, 62 per cent continued to play, exceeding Government expectations.

“The key is progression; giving children chance to take it further,” said Mr Johnson.

  • Read the full story in Thursday's T&A