Back
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 the LPO’s Foyle Future Firsts Development Programme 2023/24. Applications for 2024/25 will open in early 2024. The Foyle Future Firsts Development Programme is not a full-time course, nor is it considered equivalent to employment by the Orchestra. A bursary is offered to each participant with the expectation that participants are able to support themselves financially and undertake other work and/or continued study alongside their Future First commitments.
Foyle Future Firsts 2023/24
We are working with the following talented musicians during the 2023/24 season:
- Coco Inman – violin
- Camille Buitenhuis – violin
- Teresa Ferreira – viola
- Sam Weinstein – cello
- Phoebe Cheng – double bass
- Maria Filippova – flute
- Jack Tostevin-Hall – oboe
- Bethany Crouch – clarinet
- Lucy Gibson – bassoon
- Zachary Hayward – horn
- Joseph Skypala – trumpet
- Rhodri Thomas – trombone
- Connor Gingell – tuba
- Evi Wang – piano
- Anwen Thomas – harp
- Tom Plumridge – percussion
Foyle Future Firsts 2023/24
Find out more about the Foyle Future First programme:
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]
The Foyle Future Firsts Development Programme is generously funded by the Foyle Foundation with additional support from the Barbara Whatmore Charitable Trust, the Idlewild Trust and the Golsoncott Foundation.