The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has been working in the London Borough of Brent since the 1990s, delivering a wide range of musical opportunities reaching tens of thousands of local residents. From creating ‘The Olympic Symphony’ with hundreds of young musicians in 2012 to our special Relaxed Performances for audiences with additional needs, annual collaborative performances such as Wemba’s Dream and the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Cultural Programme, the RPO are keen to meet and work with people from across the borough.
We are looking forward to 2024/25, when we will move our headquarters to Wembley Park to become even more embedded in the community. In the meantime, get involved via one of the many opportunities open to Brent residents below or come along to one of our events in Brent.
Brent Membership
A brand new scheme giving Brent residents and workers exclusive access to free and discounted tickets (from £5) in some of the capital’s most exciting venues including: the Royal Albert Hall, Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall our resident home Cadogan Hall.
Brent Music Academy
Developed by local music organisations, Brent Music Academy (BMA) is a new initiative providing professional training and opportunities for young people passionate about making music in any style, or with interests in music production, business or administration. Delivered by a diverse range of industry leaders, the Academy will provide ongoing term-time activities as well as out-of-term projects and work experience opportunities.
Wemba's Dream
Since 2021 the RPO has been working with local artists on Wemba’s Dream, an annual collaborative performance project in partnership with Wembley Park. Co-designed by and featuring musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and local artists from a range of art forms – including dance, spoken word, carnival, reggae and more – these outdoor performances are imaginative celebrations of Brent and its residents.
Wemba’s Dream: Journey the Journey takes place on Sunday 3 September.
Brent Relaxed Performances
Each year, the RPO performs a very special concert designed for Brent audiences who may find traditional concerts challenging to attend, including adults and children with learning disabilities, movement disorders, sensory impairments, autistic spectrum disorder, dementia and other neurological conditions, or those with young children or babies. Featuring 25 musicians and internationally renowned presenter Tim Steiner performing a range of music in ways you’ve never imagined, this event includes interactive elements, BSL interpretation, captioning, Makaton singalongs and gentle sensory elements to make sure everyone can enjoy the show. Most importantly, performances are relaxed, so attendees are welcome to enjoy the concert however they need, without worry.
The next Relaxed Performance in Brent takes place on Saturday 14 October.
Trainee Music Leader Scheme
The RPO are seeking 2-3 Brent-based musicians from underrepresented backgrounds to take part in a year-long paid training scheme to gain skills and experience in community music leadership. Suitable for professional or serious amateur musicians from any genre (including all instruments or voice types), this training programme will include:
- 3x small group training opportunities throughout the year, delivered by RPO Workshop Leaders with decades of experience working in all range of community settings.
- Up to 10x shadowing opportunities to observe and support RPO community and education projects, taking progressive responsibility for leading activities.
- Individual mentoring sessions with an RPO Workshop Leader, to assess and reflect on delivery in between sessions.
Recruitment for the 2023/24 Training Scheme will open in September 2023. Check back soon for full details.
Brent Music for Mental Health Programmes for Adults, Adults with Learning Disabilities and Adolescents
Research has shown that music can have a positive effect on mental health, and working with others on creative pursuits is one of the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ championed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
If you’re an adult experiencing mental health or wellbeing challenges, an adults with learning disabilities or their carer, or a young person aged 12-18 who is experiencing mental health challenges, you are warmly invited to join musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for fun, creative music sessions to listen to and create music alongside professional musicians.
No prior musical experience is required to take part, and all genres or types of music will be explored. Instruments will be provided.
Other opportunities
The RPO love to meet and work with as many people from Brent as possible. If you or a group you represent are interested in working with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra but don’t see the right offer above, please email
