Freemasons Strengthen Community Engagement Through Support of Philharmonia Orchestra Education Project

The Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons’ Charity (LRFC) has reinforced its commitment to community engagement and youth development through its sponsorship of the Philharmonia Orchestra and its flagship education initiative, Orchestra Unwrapped, in Leicester.

The project, which introduces live orchestral music to primary school children across the city, gave more than 1,200 Key Stage 2 pupils and teachers - including SEND students - the opportunity to experience professional live music locally. The initiative reflects the LRFC’s ongoing commitment to supporting programmes that enrich the lives of young people and strengthen community connections across Leicester.

Designed for schools that are often underserved culturally, Orchestra Unwrapped combines teacher training, classroom learning, creative workshops, and a live concert experience. Through the programme, 13 non-specialist primary teachers received specialist music training, enabling them to develop music teaching within their schools and use creative learning techniques across subjects including maths, science, history, and geography.

The initiative also included specially designed classroom resource packs and interactive music workshops delivered in seven schools. Led by music educationalist Lucy Drever and musicians from the Philharmonia Orchestra, the workshops encouraged pupils to explore creativity and collaboration through music-making activities inspired by the orchestra’s concert season.

The programme concluded with a large-scale live concert at De Montfort Hall on 6 May 2026. Performed by a full orchestra of up to 75 musicians, the event featured famous orchestral works, film and video game music, a newly commissioned choral piece, and artwork created by pupils displayed during the performance.

For the LRFC, the sponsorship formed part of a wider ambition to support educational and cultural opportunities that create lasting benefits within the local community.

Steve Skidmore, Chair of LRFC, said:

“It was a joy and delight to see the students, including many SEND students, respond to the live music. It was a truly inspirational afternoon which we were proud to support.

“At LRFC, community engagement is incredibly important to us. Supporting initiatives like Orchestra Unwrapped allows us to help create opportunities for young people, encourage creativity and confidence, and contribute positively to the wider community.”