Published 11 March 2026

London Youth Choirs and LSO Discovery announce a major partnership to enhance music education for young people in London

London Youth Choirs (LYC) and London Symphony Orchestra (LSO Discovery) are proud to announce a landmark partnership, aimed at enhancing music education and engagement for young people across the capital and beyond. This strategic collaboration – which will be jointly funded by both organisations – brings together LYC’s gold-standard expertise in choral excellence and youth engagement with LSO Discovery’s world-leading strengths in orchestral education and community outreach. Together, the organisations aim to address the ongoing decline in music education by supporting the next generation of musicians, educators, and cultural leaders.

A Shared Vision for London’s Youth

The partnership is built on a shared commitment to transforming young lives through the power and shared joy of music. In September 2025, the LSO Discovery Choirs transitioned into the LYC network, ensuring the continued growth of this vital work. To support this transition, all current Discovery Choir members will benefit from enhanced performance opportunities within LYC, including a part-subsidised place for their first year funded by LSO. The two organisations will focus on three core pillars of collaboration:

● Enriching the Choral Experience: Through co-commissioning new works and creating joint performance opportunities that allow young singers to work alongside professional LSO musicians.
● Empowering Educators: We will deliver robust teacher training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes, with upcoming initiatives centered on West Side Story. In March, LSO Artistic Advisor and Lead Animateur Rachel Leach will lead a workshop focused on the instrumental score. This will be followed in May by a session led by LYC co-founder and Artistic Director Rachel Staunton, focusing on the choral elements of Bernstein’s classic musical and traditional American music.
● Nurturing Future Leaders: Developing the skills of young animateurs and aspiring conductors through hands-on mentoring and leadership training.

Artistic and Educational Integration

LYC will lead on choir management, vocal training, and the creation of talent development pathways, while LSO Discovery will provide access to world-class orchestral resources and rehearsal venues. By combining these resources, the partnership will create high-quality, inclusive musical experiences that nurture the creativity and confidence of thousands of young people.

Nina Camilleri, CEO of London Youth Choirs said: “We are delighted to join forces with LSO Discovery. This partnership allows us to expand our mission of raising voices and shaping lives, ensuring that many thousands of young singers in London, regardless of background, has a pathway to musical excellence.”

Stephanie Hutchinson, Head of LSO Discovery said “By embedding LYC’s choral specialism with the LSO’s orchestral resources, we are creating a powerful alliance. We are very much looking forward to collaborating with LYC over the next few years. Our combined creativity and passion for young people in London aims to dial up our commitment to young people in London.”

LYC and LSO will perform together for the first time on Sunday 28 June at the LSO Family concert at the Barbican.