Applications are now open for Overture, the Royal Ballet and Opera’s orchestra mentoring programme, in collaboration with Black Lives in Music and the National Open Youth Orchestra.
Established in 2023 by the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Overture provides tailored opportunities for young musicians aged 18-25 years who currently encounter barriers in their musical training.
Each Season musicians are partnered with a member of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera Housein Covent Garden, London, and mentored throughout the 2024/25 Season. Applications are open to those who identify as being from an underrepresented group, including (but not limited to), global majority, Disabled, LGBTQ+, and from a low-socio economic background, and play one of the offered instruments. See the full list on the website. The deadline for the first stage of applications is Monday 1 July 2024.
Lucy Irving, a clarinet mentee in the 2022/23 Season said: ‘When I was accepted onto the Overtureprogramme it gave me a huge confidence boost, and it has been a real privilege to be taught by someone who has been in the industry for so long. Through Principal Bass Clarinet Marina Finnamore’s expert mentorship, I have really developed as a musician. She has made me think more deeply about my breathing and support whilst playing, the shape of the music, and the overall sound quality that I produce. This great advice has led to a really noticeable difference in my playing.’
Due to incredible demand, Chris Stapleton adds final European show to his colossal ‘All American Road Show’ World tour. The newly announced date will take place 
A packed line-up featuring nearly every musical playing in the West End has been unveiled ahead of this year’s West End LIVE. This free celebration of London’s world-leading theatre scene comes to Trafalgar Square on the weekend of 22 and 
The Manchester Culture Awards are back for 2024 with nominations opening this week for the prestigious awards that recognise the city’s cultural and creative highlights over the last year.
The Southwark Playhouse have announced the FORGE artist development programme, a programme that will support 4 exceptional emerging companies who will become attached to the Playhouse for 9 months, receiving free rehearsal space to R&D ideas, dramaturgical support from the Southwark Playhouse senior artistic team, free office space for producers and a week-long slot to platform a show in ‘The Little’ space to a paying audience. The scheme will also provide industry mentorship from established theatre professionals and bespoke workshops from the Playhouse team on a variety of key learning topics, to guide and empower them in this creative journey.
Norwich Theatre, one of the leading cultural institutions in the UK, has released the findings of a survey that sheds light on theatre attendance patterns across Britain. In the survey of over 2,000 British adults, it was found that almost one in four Brits (24%) have never attended a theatre performance.
