A NEW orchestra is set to be launched in Southampton.

Southampton Music Hub and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are proud to bring the city the first of its kind: a multi-generational, open access, Family Orchestra.

The free to join orchestra will bring together families of all shapes and sizes to share the joy of making music with each other. In community centres across the city, the Family Orchestra will bring together new musicians, and rusty old ones alike, to work together, play together and create brand new pieces of music from scratch.

The orchestra is open to everyone: any instrument, any standard, any age welcome! From having a go on the hand-held percussion provided, to joining in with your voice, the orchestra is open to all.

With free workshops taking place between February and June, and a free performance at the Turner Sims in July, families are welcome to join the Orchestra for just one, or as many sessions as they can.

Kath Page, Executive Head of Southampton Music Hub, said: "We’re delighted to bring the Family Orchestra to Southampton. The benefits of playing music together are well proven: we see the huge personal and social differences that music makes in the work we do with thousands of children across the city every week. We’re excited to share those benefits with families in Southampton and see music help make a difference in our community.”

Ben Jennings, Participation Coordinator for Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra added: “For over 120 years, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra have inspired generations of music makers. The Family Orchestra is a bold new step towards seeing music enhance and transform lives. We hope that families across the city will gather up their relatives, dig out their musical instruments and come join us in the Family Orchestra!”

The first session takes place at Moorlands Community Centre in Townhill Way on Saturday February 11. Sessions continue throughout the spring at Regents Park Community Centre on March 11, Woolston Community Centre on April 1, St Denys Church Hall on May 13 before return visits to some of the venues.

The performance takes place at Turner Sims on Sunday July 2.

You can find out more about the Family Orchestra at southamptonmusichub.org/familyorchestra.