We love to work in partnership with other arts organisations so that participants benefit from a range of approaches and art forms. We also enjoy performing in spaces you mightn’t expect to find us – like the Indian Community Centre in north Belfast, which the orchestra ‘took over’ for a day as part of the Belfast Weekender Festival in March 2018!
Queen’s University, Belfast
Performance coaching is part of our industry partnership with the department of music at Queen’s University. UO players work with student performers, coaching in musicianship, presentation, managing stress...anything that helps to develop a well-rounded and resilient performer. This is not restricted to classical music, we delve into the worlds of music theatre, song writing, traditional music, jazz and rock. We also hold occasional composition workshops and occasionally give concerts in the lunchtime recital series.
Education Authority Music Service
This partnership sees UO musicians collaborate with Music Service tutors across Northern Ireland, delivering online webinars, live coaching and inspiration sessions, and staff training.
Together, we are working on a series of projects to encourage the take-up of underrepresented instruments. Beginning with the project “To Bassoon and Beyond” which aims to grow the dwindling population of bassoonists. At present, 35 pupils from 5 primary and 2 post-primary schools in Belfast, Ballynahinch and Lurgan have weekly lessons with EA Music Service tutor Krista, visits from UO bassoon players Greg and Vahan and a successful inaugural Big Bassoon Bash - a morning of ensemble playing, mini-masterclasses and general bassoonery - at the Ulster Orchestra's Townsend Street home in May 2023.
