Striving to remove barriers that prevent us from building Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities!
The Paraorchestra, founded by Charles Hazlewood in 2011, is reshaping the orchestral landscape by removing barriers that prevent musicians with disabilities from participating in large-scale professional ensembles. Recognized with the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) Ensemble Award, this groundbreaking group is a testament to what happens when accessibility and inclusion are prioritized in the arts. By integrating assistive technology, redefining traditional performance spaces, and fostering an environment where musicians with disabilities thrive alongside their non-disabled peers, the Paraorchestra demonstrates the power of community-driven change. This recognition is not just a win for the ensemble—it is a call to action for the broader music industry to remove systemic barriers that limit participation by People with Disabilities.
Since its debut at the 2012 Paralympics, the Paraorchestra has expanded to include around 50 musicians who identify as disabled, Deaf, or neurodivergent, performing in innovative and boundary-pushing productions. With the support of Arts Council England, the group has dramatically scaled up its operations, leading to groundbreaking performances like Trip the Light Fantastic, which combined orchestral music with electronic sounds, projections, and immersive experiences. These performances showcase the vital role of inclusive design in the arts and challenge outdated perceptions of what an orchestra can be. Through this work, the Paraorchestra is not only setting new artistic standards but also fostering vibrant, diverse, inclusive, accessible communities.
Music is the most universal language we have—way beyond any dialect or tongue. The sad truth is that people still find it hard to put the words ‘Disability’ and ‘Excellence’ in the same sentence.
The ensemble’s success continues to grow, with its debut at the BBC Proms in 2024, a landmark moment that underscored its ability to innovate and captivate audiences. The Virtuous Circle was a stunning fusion of Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, choreography, lighting, and new compositions, embodying the power of collective creativity. Paraorchestra’s model, which prioritizes person-centered approaches over rigid institutional traditions, ensures that every musician is supported in achieving excellence. This forward-thinking philosophy challenges the music industry to embrace inclusive practices and acknowledge the richness that diverse participation brings to the cultural landscape.
With upcoming projects like The Bradford Progress in the 2025 City of Culture events, the Paraorchestra continues to lead by example, proving that accessibility and inclusion are fundamental to artistic innovation. Their work is a powerful reminder that community-building is most effective when it removes barriers, making space for all talents to shine. We must continue to champion initiatives like the Paraorchestra, demanding systemic change in the arts and beyond. Read the full article to discover how this ensemble is reshaping the future of orchestral music and why its work matters for all of us.
Read the Full Article: The disability orchestra disrupting the classical landscape
by: Rebecca Franks
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