Support our work for schools

Each year, more than 7,500 children take part in an Aurora project with their school – and this number is fast-growing. We aim to create music experiences that are imaginative, joyful, and impactful in the long term. We invite children into their local concert hall for storytelling performances, working with music hubs to reach schools who will most benefit. We also bring the orchestra into the heart of primary schools across the UK through our unique learning resource programme, Aurora Classroom. And with every project, we support teachers to grow their practice and embed music in their school for the future.

Why is this work needed?

We’re sure you’ll agree that music is an essential part of every child’s education. But the persistent erosion of school budgets for music, lack of support for teachers and the worrying devaluing of music compared to other subjects means that many schools are struggling to offer high-quality music activities regularly. Through our work we focus on reaching schools where children might otherwise miss out on music-making – because of where they live, their economic background or a disability – and ensuring that our projects have lasting impact.

How can I help?

If you’d like to discuss a donation, please contact Helen McKeown, Development Director at helen@auroraorchestra.com or 020 7014 2816. 

“Young people have always been at the very heart of what we do at Aurora. Music has shaped all of our lives, and it’s so important to give that opportunity to the next generation.”

Jane Mitchell, Creative Director and Principal Flute

Aurora extends grateful thanks to the following organisations, trusts and foundations who have given vital support to our schools’ programme:

Trusts & Foundations

The Astor Foundation

The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust

The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust

The Foyle Foundation

Garfield Weston Foundation

The Goldsmiths’ Company Charity

John Lyon’s Charity

The Karlsson Játiva Charitable Foundation’s Signatur Programme

The Lucille Graham Trust

The Neville Abraham Foundation

The Nugee Foundation

The Radcliffe Trust

The Reed Foundation

The Samuel Gardner Memorial Trust

Three Monkies Trust

Vaughan Williams Foundation

Plus two anonymous supporters

We’d also like to thank all the individuals who supported our Big Give Christmas Challenge campaigns in 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2023.