Logo of BLSO

 

 

 

Welcome to the website of the Blue Light Symphony Orchestra, the UK's only orchestra for all Emergency Services personnel. Our players are drawn from a wealth of talent hidden inside the UK's Police Forces, Fire Brigades and Ambulance Services, the military and other emergency services such as Mountain Rescue, Cave Rescue and the RNLI. We are a registered charity whose aims are to promote and support music-making in the emergency services to aid mental well-being and to promote the use of music therapy to treat severe mental health problems such as PTSD, chronic stress and anxiety. 

 

Upcoming Events

Mahler weekend flyer

Summer workshop weekend - Mahler 5th Symphony

Book here!

We are thrilled to announce the Blue Light Symphony Orchestra's summer 2024 workshop weekend! This special event is happening on the 1st and 2nd of June, 2024 in central London. We'll be focusing on Symphony No.5 by Gustav Mahler.

For those who may not be aware, we are the world's only orchestra made up entirely of emergency services personnel. So, not only will you experience a profound exploration of the existential meaning of life and death through Mahler's music, but also get to meet and mingle with this unique community.

We aim to create a relaxed atmosphere where you can nourish your soul and make new friends. The entry fee is £35, which includes refreshments. Plus, students can join for free! But hurry, as places are limited.

 

Ready to immerse yourself in this soul-stirring musical experience? Book your spot using this link

Hope to see you there!

 

If you would like to play at our events, please fill out the Join us! form or email workshops@bluelightsymphony.org. We welcome contact from players who are not in the emergency services because we often have gaps. 

 

If you wish to support us financially, please visit our GoFundMe page by clicking here 

If you would like to volunteer to help us grow, we would love to hear from you. Please use the form on the Join Us page. We are currently looking for: 

  • Graphic designer
  • Web developer
  • Social media officer
  • Librarian

 

About the Orchestra

 

We are a registered charity in England and Wales, number 1184720. Our Orchestra provides opportunities for musicians from across the emergency services to come together and play music but we are also expanding our work in the following two areas:

 

  1. Encourage more local music-making in the emergency services by providing start-up grants and advice to anyone wishing to start a local choir or instrumental group where the majority of participants are emergency services personnel. 
  2. Work with leading Music Therapy providers to make MT available to emergency services personnel to treat PTSD, anxiety and stress.  

 

Visit the charity page for more information and to donate. 

 

The main orchestra meets for a day-long workshop once a term. Emergency workers often find that shift work prevents them from being able to commit to the weekly rehearsals of a traditional orchestra which means that they have stopped playing music regularly since starting their careers. This means they are unable to enjoy the scientifically proven mental health benefits of group music making. The BLSO removes this barrier by providing workshops which require no regular commitment and our success can be measured by the fact we have over 100 emergency services musicians on our mailing list. We are also working with the UK's leading Music Therapists to research and develop a Music Therapy treatment program for emergency workers suffering from stress and anxiety-related disorders. Find out more about Music Therapy and what we are doing on the Charity page. 

 

Please go to the Join us! page if you would like to get involved. 

 

Contact Information

enquiries@bluelightsymphony.org

Studio 1
305a Goldhawk Road
London
W12 8EU