Creating change: Play with Paraorchestra

Here’s a look at what happened when six early-career disabled musicians came together with professional Paraorchestra musicians and composers for two exciting days of collaboration and music-making in the second iteration of Play with Paraorchestra. 

About Play with Paraorchestra

Play with Paraorchestra is a new artist development opportunity for young disabled musicians who demonstrate creative flair and a commitment to playing live music.

We know that D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse musicians face barriers from the very beginning of their careers and we recognise a lack of professional support and development opportunities for musicians identifying as disabled. 

In response, we have launched Play with Paraorchestra to provide young musicians with an insight into how we work: ambitiously, collaboratively, and with a person-centred approach. 

Following an open-call for applications, six young musicians aged 18-25 from all across the UK were invited to Bristol to experience playing alongside Paraorchestra ensemble members in our signature collaborative and inclusive style. In addition to rehearsing together, Play with Paraorchestra offers participants the chance to create connections with other young musicians and broaden their professional networks.

Two days, three pieces

Working intensely across two days in July 2025, the six musicians collaborated with Paraorchestra musicians and composers to rehearse three pieces - Straylight by Rylan Gleave, Looking Back by Liam Taylor-West and Three Movements for CoMA by Kate Whitley. 

For many, this was their first experience of working with open and graphic scores.

The participants worked alongside members of Paraorchestra to rehearse these pieces in a collaborative, supportive and creatively-challenging environment. During one-to-one breakout sessions with Paraorchestra musicians, they had the opportunity to ask questions, hear from musicians about their professional and artistic practice and gain career advice - sharing experiences and goals for the future. The project also included a Q&A session with founder and artistic director of Paraorchestra, Charles Hazlewood.

Play with Paraorchestra is delivered through Modulate - our pioneering artist development programme created to support D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse musicians through a wide-range of career development and skill-building opportunities.

Modulate works behind the scenes to support our musicians to thrive professionally and gain confidence and skills as independent music creators and industry leaders. In short, Modulate exists to create meaningful change in the orchestral industry and make it more equitable for all musicians. 

Additional funding for Modulate is provided by the PRS Foundation Music Talent Development Network supported by PPL

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