Overview Each year, the Ulster Orchestra performs primary school concerts around Northern Ireland. We aim to incorporate suitable curriculum links as well as deliver an exciting and inspiring concert for Key Stage 2 students. In November 2019, 3,356 pupils from 80 schools across Northern Ireland joined presenter Catherine Arlidge MBE and the musicians of the Ulster Orchestra at concerts in Belfast, Derry~Londonderry, Ballymena, Enniskillen, Newry and Omagh to learn about music from different cultures around the world. Access the Global Rhythms teaching resources here. The Ulster Orchestra Primary Schools’ Concerts are supported by Patrick and Breda McGinnis and Family and the Ulster Orchestra Foundation. Pupils whom in the past may have been considered as those who wouldn't enjoy it, came back to school raving about their experience! A first for many of our young learners, but most certainly not the last The children really did enjoy it and it was great having someone to explain the instruments and the music. It had a good mix of listening and interaction with the children. Great variety of music styles too. They really enjoyed the whole performance and having linked prior to the concert with two of the instrumentalists, it really brought it alive for them. Travelling around the world via music was super. A fantastic experience presented in a child friendly way. Very inspiring for our musicians. Adopt a Player workshops are delivered in each primary concert location for schools in disadvantaged areas which have not previously attended a schools’ concert. Teams of two players are “adopted” by a class at the school and the pupils receive visits before and after each concert exploring the repertoire and familiarising them with what the concert will involve. The pupils are provided with free transportation and tickets to their region’s primary school concert and players then greet the children as they arrive at the performance. During November and December 2019, over 1,100 pupils from schools in Ballymena, Belfast, Derry, Enniskillen, Newry and Omagh took part in Adopt a Player workshops with Ulster Orchestra musicians.