Photo by Eljay Briss
Paraorchestra bring extraordinary live orchestral music experiences to people in venues and public spaces around the world.
Under the artistic direction of award-winning conductor Charles Hazlewood, the pioneering ensemble aims to disrupt and reinvent the orchestra. Bringing together professional disabled and non-disabled musicians, Paraorchestra create powerful music experiences that span genres and artforms. As a result, they are radically changing outdated ideas about both orchestral music, and of disability.
Paraorchestra’s diverse programme of live work puts audiences at the centre of the action, including thrilling immersive shows and playful performances in public spaces. They present contemporary and classical orchestral masterpieces by composers such as Steve Reich, Mozart, and Górecki. Commissions, as well as commissioning including boundary pushing commissions, by established and emerging artists. Innovative performances over the past year have included Trip the Light Fantastic, The Nature of Why and last year's BBC Prom The Virtuous Circle, plus the joyous outdoor show SMOOSH! 2025 includes The Bradford Progress, a multi-location two-day collaboration with Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller for Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.
Partnerships bring Paraorchestra’s live shows to world-class venues such as Southbank Centre, the Barbican, and Bristol Beacon, as well as music festivals, communities, and unlikely spaces across the world. Collaborations with recording artists – Hannah Peel, The Unfolding, released on Real World Records, and Death Songbook with Suede’s Brett Anderson released on BMG’s World Circuit label – take the ensemble's work directly into the homes of millions across the globe.
Paraorchestra are the only orchestra in the world pro-actively increasing their representation and professional development of D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent players. Embedded alongside their ambition to provide meaningful opportunities for world-class music making, Paraorchestra's artist development programme – Modulate – provides opportunities for disabled musicians to develop skills and advance their careers. In doing so, Paraorchestra are removing the barriers that prevent disabled players from performing at the highest level.
Paraorchestra are based in Bristol UK and are Associate Artists of Bristol Beacon. They were named Best Ensemble at the 2025 Royal Philharmonic Society Awards.
As a Registered Charity (number 1163725) Paraorchestra gratefully acknowledges funding from Arts Council England; The Mark Leonard Trust; Esmée Fairbairn Foundation; The Linbury Trust; Garfield Weston Foundation; John Ellerman Foundation, and Bristol City Council