The Ulster Orchestra celebrates its flagship education project, Crescendo, with large-scale event in the Ulster Hall

Working with Colin Neighbourhood Partnership, Shankill Children’s Zone and Queen’s University Innovation Zones, Crescendo is a long-term, immersive collaboration which aims to give pupils access to high quality music education throughout their primary school careers and improve outcomes for children through music. The participating primary schools are Good Shepherd, Malvern, Holy Evangelists’ and Wheatfield, and all lie within areas of marked social deprivation.

On Wednesday 11 June, participating pupils will take to the Ulster Hall stage at a special gala event which sees them perform alongside the full Ulster Orchestra. 1,095 pupils across Year 1 to Year 7 participated in the project this year and the impact on both their music skills and personal development has been so wonderful to experience.

Lucy McCullagh, Ulster Orchestra’s Head of Community Engagement, explains;

“The Ulster Orchestra is passionate about providing opportunities for people of all ages to learn, engage and express their creativity. Creative expression and communication are the cornerstones of what the children participating in the Crescendo programme learn. The discipline harnessed in learning a musical instrument, the confidence built from performing in an Orchestra or musical group are all competences that are valued across sectors. Whether a child who participates in the Crescendo project goes on to become a professional musician or carries their passion for music onwards in life, these are also valuable skills and tools for wellbeing. We are so proud of this project and hope it continues to impact young children year on year.”

Hugh McCaughey, Chair of the Crescendo Management Committee, adds;

“The final concert and performance of Crescendo is always such a special day. Our aim is to transform the lives of children through music. Today just brings that to life, the positive impact it has for the children, the schools and the local communities is just so visible. On the day there is much laughter, smiles and joyful tears, but it also has a lasting impact that continues well beyond the concert itself.”

The Ulster Orchestra’s Principal Funder is the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music and Opera at the Arts Council said, 

“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to support the Ulster Orchestra and congratulate them on another year of the Crescendo project. Research proves that taking part in arts activities has huge benefits on health, creativity, wellbeing, educational outcomes and confidence building for everyone. Crescendo offers young people the opportunity to engage with music in meaningful ways and learn skills that will carry them through life. Well done to all involved in this terrific initiative.”

David Lister, Principal of Wheatfield Primary School, comments;

“Crescendo has done more than teach music—it has opened doors for the pupils in Wheatfield Primary School and our entire school community. Through dedicated tuition and inspiring teaching, our pupils have discovered confidence, creativity, and new pathways to achievement. The impact reaches far beyond the classroom, enriching learning, building resilience, and creating lifelong opportunities.”