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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’s involved?
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
- develop your creative leadership skills alongside LPO players 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 for 2026/27 will open in Spring 2026.
Find out more about the Foyle Future First programme:
We are working with the following talented musicians during the 2025/26 season:
- Mio Takahashi – violin
- Emily Trubshaw – violin
- Sara Ramirez Rodriguez – viola
- William Lui – cello
- Isabel Garcia – double bass
- Billy Hui – flute
- Noah Rudd – oboe
- Emily Crook – clarinet
- Florence Plane – bassoon
- Nivanthi Karunaratne – horn
- Katie Bannister – trumpet
- Ollie Plant – trombone
- Archie McVicar – tuba
- Mark Zang – piano
- Aisha Palmer – harp
- Julie Scheuren – percussion
Instrument Chairs are kindly supported by David Burke & Valerie Graham (Clarinet), Michelle Crowe Hernandez & Christian Hernandez (Tuba), John & Sam Dawson (Percussion), Marie Power (Piano), Judy Wrightson & Tony Llewellyn (Violin), Nigel Phipps & Amanda McDowall (oboe).
Our next Foyle Future Firsts event:
Sat 7 Feb 2026
LPO Showcase: Foyle Future Firsts and the Royal Academy of Music
London, Royal Festival Hall
- Ligeti Melodien
- Bartók (orch. Freisitzer) Dance Suite
- Foyle Future First musicians
- Students from the Royal Academy of Music
- Members of the LPO
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 Thomas, 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 2025/26 is generously supported by the Foyle Foundation and Purposeful Ventures, alongside Scops Arts Trust and the Idlewild Trust, and with additional support from individual chair supporters.
