Our Digital Orchestra which launched in April 2016 is the world’s first disabled youth orchestra.
The Digital Orchestra is a group of talented young musicians with disabilities who meet up at our studios every week to rehearse, develop their musical skills and create new music using inclusive music technologies.
Over the past five years they have performed their own compositions at numerous events including True Colours Festival in Singapore, ISME 2016, RI World Congress, The Scottish Parliament, Scottish Storytelling Centre, Scottish Music & Health Network Conference and the Learning & Teaching Conference as well as collaborated with Oliver Searle, Ian Peaston, Malcolm Edmonstone (BBC Strictly Come Dancing, Jacqui Dankworth) and the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland Jazz Collective at Stirling’s Tollbooth.
Leading the Way
The Digital Orchestra developed out of our youth music ensemble, Technophonia, which debuted in May 2012 as part of London 2012 Cultural Olympiad – making it the world’s first disabled youth music ensemble.
Its growing international reputation has lead to a string of invitations from festivals and events from across the globe including the True Colours Festival Singapore in March 2018.
Since August 2017, the Digital Orchestra is a member of Association of British Orchestras – the first national disabled youth orchestra to join.
Our Disabled Youth Orchestra is supported by Creative Scotland, The William Syson Foundation, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partnership.