Wolverhampton Music Service is providing free tickets to 34 schools for 2 special concerts taking place in the city’s largest cultural venue – The University of Wolverhampton at The Halls – on Thursday 12 February, 2026.
During either a morning or an afternoon concert, students will learn about the development of orchestral music through the years, with live performances by Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra, Music Service staff and young musicians from Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra.
Audiences will hear music by Purcell, Beethoven, Saint Saëns, Elgar, Stravinsky, Price, Prokofiev, Rahman and Schwartz. In addition, Wolverhampton born singer Jessica Lim will return from her work in the West End to perform Defying Gravity from the hit musical, Wicked. Presenter Rachel Leach will once again enthuse the audience with her knowledge, passion and energy.
To support the learning experience, all 34 participating schools have been provided with a full concert programme and curriculum materials in advance.
Head of Wolverhampton Music Service, Ciaran O’Donnell, said: “I always describe Wolverhampton as an extra musical place. To be able to create a combined orchestra with over 100 musicians, supported by an audience of 3,000 children from local schools, in a venue as renowned as The Halls, is really pioneering stuff.
“It is important that every child gets the opportunity to hear a live orchestra during their school days. It is the most authentic way to understand what an orchestra is and what it sounds like. It is our collective purpose to bring this to our schools.”
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, added: “This will be the third time that, thanks to funding from Arts Council England, our Music Service has joined forces with Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra and Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra to offer this fabulous opportunity to pupils from across the Black Country.
“It will feature and highlight the city’s musical strength, and the children and young people are sure to have a wonderful time.”
Wolverhampton Music Service provides high quality tuition and musical opportunities for youngsters from schools across the city, including the chance to perform with its flagship groups, Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra and Wolverhampton Youth Wind Orchestra. To find out more, please visit Wolverhampton Music Service.
