OrchLab

Empowering disabled adults to experience the joy of making music through workshops, accessible technology, a bespoke website, training and events.

At the heart of OrchLab are our LPO values of collaboration and inclusivity – we want everyone to experience the wonder of music. OrchLab is run by the LPO in partnership with Drake Music, experts in music, technology and disability.

What’s involved

Now in its eighth year, OrchLab blends traditional instrument playing with cutting-edge technology, using live recordings of the full LPO as its inspiration. Participants in workshops create music with members of the Orchestra, using assistive technology (often created specifically for OrchLab), samples of LPO recordings, iPad apps and traditional percussion instruments. In this way they immerse themselves in the Orchestra’s music while making it their own. Over the course of the year, participants will take part in workshops, engage in web activities and attend live events. OrchLab also works with staff in disability settings to train them in supporting those they work with to continue accessible music-making beyond our visits.

Community Partners

Each year, we team up with two OrchLab Community Partners. Community Partners take part in OrchLab workshops, training on OrchLab web activities, and work with us to plan their future music-making. We are delighted to be working with Livability New Court Place in Borehamwood, and Antill Road, Look Ahead Care Support and Housing service in Bow as our Community Partners for 2024.

OrchLab Open Events

As well as our Community Partner activity, each year we run two free events that we warmly invite any disability organisation to attend:

• OrchLab Festival Day: A celebration of accessible music-making with disabled adults at the Royal Festival Hall!  At OrchLab Festival Day disability organisations (service users and staff) will have a chance to visit the LPO at our home in London’s Southbank Centre, join in and have fun in a relaxed environment, and meet musicians from the LPO and Drake Music. The next OrchLab Festival Day will be in November 2024. Find out more on the OrchLab website.
• OrchLab Open Web Training: A free training session for staff who work with disabled adults. In this session, staff explore OrchLab web activities with specialist OrchLab facilitators and take away creative ideas and resources to put into practice with the people they work with. Visit the OrchLab website for the latest updates on our next Open Web Training session.

OrchLab open events are free to attend. Financial support towards travel and staff costs are available on application.

Please note that Open Events are open only to those aged 18+. Guests must pre-booked their places – it will not be possible to turn up without a ticket on the day.

OrchLab online resources

Visit the OrchLab website to explore a wide range of free, fun and interactive music resources, especially designed for disabled adults: www.orchlab.org