Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and Acland Burghley School

We are thrilled to announce that we are going to become the first school in the UK to be home to an internationally famous orchestra. The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (OAE) will be using our iconic Assembly Hall for its rehearsals, and is moving into offices adjacent to the Hall. 

The collaboration between the school and the Orchestra will in time enable us to develop a programme of enrichment which will provide unparalleled opportunities for students. They will be able to hear globally famous artists rehearse during the school day, and will benefit from innovative educational programmes. In this way, we will use music as a means to build confidence and creativity.

Our ambition is that the partnership will create opportunities across the curriculum, for example with physics and maths. Working with OAE Chief Executive, Crispin Woodhead, students will get involved in the orchestra’s scheduling, events management, front of house and technical aspects of putting on live concerts and broadcasting digital content.

Marita Young, Lead Practitioner for Performing Arts, and Gwen Frye, Senior Curriculum Leader, will lead our programme of engagement with the orchestra’s experienced educational team. Marita is best known to families for her work as Head of Dance, responsible for many memorable dance shows at the Finchley Arts Depot. Gwen has led art in the school for many years, and has been responsible for all of the recent summer art exhibitions. We are looking forward to seeing what this unique fusion of dance, art and classical music can do to inspire our young people to reach their creative potential.

We are so excited about this project, which may be reported in some newspapers in the coming days. The orchestra is still moving into its new home, and has a busy autumn schedule. We will be in touch with more detailed information about our joint projects once they have settled in.

In the meantime, thank you for all your help and support in getting school up and running at the start of term. As always, please do not hesitate to contact the school, or email the Headteacher directly on njohn@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk, if you have any questions about this, or indeed any other matter.

With best wishes

Nicholas John
Headteacher
Gwen Frye
Senior Curriculum Leader
Head of Creative Arts Faculty

Marita Young
Lead Practitioner for
Performing Arts

Show list Show Grid