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Foyle Future Firsts
Our annual Foyle Future Firsts programme bridges the transition between education and the professional platform for outstanding early-career orchestral musicians.
The programme is designed to nurture and develop talented orchestral players, forming the base for future appointments to the London Philharmonic Orchestra and other world-class orchestras and ensembles.
What we offer
During your year as a Foyle Future First, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- play alongside the professionals in London Philharmonic Orchestra rehearsals
- hone your technique through lessons with an LPO Principal player
- benefit from invaluable advice and mentoring from your LPO Principal
- perfect your audition skills
- watch LPO rehearsals and experience the behind-the-scenes preparation
- take part in wider professional development sessions
- develop your creative leadership skills on Education & Community projects
- play side-by-side with LPO members in chamber performances at the Royal Festival Hall, and in our annual Debut Sounds concert featuring new works our LPO Young Composers
- enjoy free or discounted tickets for all LPO concerts at the Royal Festival Hall
How do I apply?
Applications are now closed for 2024/25.
Find out more about the Foyle Future First programme:
Foyle Future Firsts 2024/25
We are working with the following talented musicians during the 2024/25 season:
- Izzy Howard – violin
- Emmanuel Webb – violin
- Melissa Doody – viola
- Olivia Da Costa – cello
- James Trowbridge – double bass
- Japheth Law – flute
- Ewan Millar – oboe
- Thomas Knollys – clarinet
- Keane Lui – bassoon
- Hannah Williams – horn
- Lucas Houldcroft – trumpet
- Joe Smales – bass trombone
- Callum Davis – tuba
- Justine Gormley – piano
- Stien De Neef – harp
- Charlie Hodge – percussion
Instrument Chairs are kindly supported by David Burke & Valerie Graham (Clarinet), Michelle Crowe Hernandez (Tuba), John & Sam Dawson (Percussion), Marie Power (Piano), Judy Wrightson & Tony Llewellyn (Violin).
What our Foyle Future Firsts say:
I felt welcome and valued, it was a perfect environment to learn and thrive. I thoroughly enjoy the year and every moment in the FFF programme!
Foyle Future First 2022/23
It’s given me a huge foothold in this industry and really helped me to become a confident orchestral musician.
Foyle Future First 2021/22
It’s really given me an insight of what it’s like to have a job in an orchestra which is an invaluable experience. I’ve loved the way that the LPO players value the Future Firsts and how welcoming they’ve been.
Foyle Future First 2021/22
Contact us
If you have any questions please contact Lowri Davies, Education & Community Project Manager on 020 7840 4203 or [email protected]
Email us:
[email protected]
Get in touch to discuss supporting a Foyle Future First Chair. Contact:
Rosie Morden - Individual Giving Manager
[email protected]
020 7840 4212
The Foyle Future Firsts Development Programme 2024/25 is generously supported by the Foyle Foundation with additional support from the Barbara Whatmore Charitable Trust and individual chair supporters.