£40,000 grant awarded to: Brixton Chamber Orchestra: The Estates Tours

Jerwood Foundation has renewed support for Brixton Chamber Orchestra by awarding them a third grant.  £40,000 will support their Estate Tours programme across Lambeth and Southwark in 2026.

 

In addition to supporting the established annual programme, the higher level of this new grant enables BCO to increase the annual tours from two to three, introducing a new Spring Estate Tour alongside its Summer and Christmas tours. The programme brings free, high-quality live orchestral performances directly into housing estates and community spaces, transforming local environments into vibrant performance settings and broadening access to orchestral music.

 

In 2025, over 4,500 people attended Estate Tour performances, BCO’s largest audience numbers to date, demonstrating the programme’s growing reach and strong community engagement. Alongside public performance, the tours also provide opportunities to commission and platform new work by emerging young composers, supporting the development of the next generation of creative talent.

 

The additional Spring tour will strengthen the orchestra’s year-round presence in Lambeth and Southwark, deepen relationships with local communities, and extend opportunities for inclusive engagement with live music.

 

Lara Wardle, Executive Director and Trustee Jerwood Foundation said:

I am delighted that Jerwood Foundation will be renewing its support for Brixton Chamber Orchestra with an additional, increased grant of £40,000 in 2026. This grant will continue to enable crucial performance and training opportunities for musicians and access to live orchestral performance for audiences. Additional opportunities in composing fulfil Jerwood’s long-held objective of supporting emerging talent as well as creative excellence.

Matthew O’Keeffe, Director of Brixton Chamber Orchestra said:

We’re absolutely thrilled that Jerwood Foundation has recognised the importance of this programme for our audiences and players. At BCO, we believe orchestral music should be an accessible and visible part of life in our community. Growing from two to three tours each year means we can reach more people, commission and champion emerging composers, and create even more shared moments of joy, connection and discovery through live music.

For further information please visit Brixton Chamber Orchestra

March 10, 2026