The In Harmony programme, inspired by Venezuela’s socially transformative El Sistema youth music scheme, has expanded to include four additional youth orchestra projects across England. Up to 2015, funding from the Department of Education and Arts Council England will enable In Harmony to be delivered to Leeds, Newcastle and Gateshead, Nottingham, and Telford & Wrekin, in addition to its existing projects in Lambeth, delivered by the Lambeth Council, and Liverpool, delivered by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

The new In Harmony schemes will be provided by The Sage Gateshead, Opera North in Leeds, Nottingham City Council and Telford & Wrekin Music. Each will ‘build on the experiences and achievements of the existing In Harmony projects, following shared core principles while responding to local circumstances and needs,’ according to Arts Council England.

‘In Harmony is now moving onwards, upwards and outwards with another four inspirational projects!’ said In Harmony founder Julian Lloyd Webber. ‘I am confident that the organisations that have been selected will embrace the spirit of El Sistema and will work tirelessly to bring positive change to the children and their communities.’

In Harmony uses music to transform the lives of children living in disadvantaged areas of England. It is not necessary for children to have mastered an instrument before joining an In Harmony orchestra; instead there is emphasis placed on making music together to develop a feeling of community, social awareness and teamwork.