The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s membership scheme for young people, BSO Vibes, has acquired a new high-profile patron for its second season. Until June 2014, cellist Julian Lloyd Webber will act as a figurehead for the programme, which aims to make music accessible for 14 to 25-year-olds with specially-programmed concerts in Poole, Bristol and Portsmouth, open rehearsals, interview sessions, and meet-and-greets with conductors, soloists and BSO musicians.

‘I am delighted to become the first patron of BSO Vibes,’ said Lloyd Webber. ‘This scheme is a fantastic way for young people across the South and South West to engage with a world-class symphony orchestra. I have a huge personal interest in education through classical music and audience development, and I am delighted to be involved with the exciting growth of BSO Vibes in the coming years.’

Lloyd Webber is also the founder of England’s In Harmony programme, inspired by Venezuela’s socially transformative El Sistema youth music scheme. He will launch the second season of BSO Vibes on October 24 by giving a masterclass to four promising young cellists, followed by a question and answer session at the Lighthouse in Poole.

Other artists taking part during the 2012-13 season include Kirill Karabits, Tasmin Little, James MacMillan, Benjamin Grosvenor, James Ehnes and Maxime Tortelier.