‘I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my year on the BPO scheme. I’ve had the opportunity to perform in four BPO concerts this year, playing a wide variety of repertoire from the Nutcracker Suite to Shostakovich 10 to the premiere of a MacGregor percussion composition. I love playing with an orchestra that performs such exciting concert programmes.
Joanna is a great inspiration and such a friendly face as well.
Every BPO concert is a chance to learn something new! Everyone in the orchestra is incredibly friendly and welcoming, and always happy to answer any questions I may have whether it be about bowing or life as a professional musician.
The BPO scheme has been a wonderful introduction to the professional music world and I feel very lucky to have been involved. It’s also been fantastic to get to know the other young musicians who are on the same professional journey as me, I look forward to playing with them for years to come!
I’d highly recommend the BPO scheme for any recent graduates looking for experience and the chance to learn from some top musicians. I hope to keep playing with BPO in the coming years.’
– Athalie Armon-Jones, 2026