In Harmony Opera North

We believe that young people from all backgrounds deserve the chance to experience the incredible impact of music.

Launched in 2013, In Harmony now engages over 3,200 children and young people in full-time education every week, delivering an inclusive programme of music education and performance opportunities at four infant schools, eight primary schools, and one secondary school. Of these students, approximately 42% are in receipt of free school meals and 22% have special educational needs.

In Harmony is more than a music programme, it supports the development of a strong sense of community and opens singing and instrumental playing to thousands of children who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to engage with music in this way.

In these challenging times for the arts across the UK, we are determined to continue to deliver and grow this transformational programme for schools. Support In Harmony this festive season and help us give more young people the gift of music.

The In Harmony schools programme currently takes place at eight primary schools, four infant schools and one secondary school in Leeds, Halifax, Dewsbury and Pontefract and involves over 3200 children and young people in full-time education on a weekly basis.

• Windmill Primary School, Belle Isle, Leeds (since 2013)
• Low Road Primary School, Hunslet, Leeds (since 2015)
• New Bewerley Community School, Beeston, Leeds (since 2016)
• Richmond Hill Academy, Richmond Hill, Leeds (since 2018)
• Clapgate Primary School, Belle Isle, Leeds (since 2022)
• Trinity Academy Leeds, Burmantofts, Leeds (since 2022)
• Sharp Lane Primary School, Middleton, Leeds (since 2024)
• Ling Bob Junior Infant & Nursery School, Halifax (since 2024)
• King’s Meadow Academy, Pontefract (since 2024)
• Savile Town C Of E V C Infant & Nursery School, Dewsbury (since 2024)
• Thornhill Lees C Of E Infant & Nursery School, Dewsbury (since 2024)
• Pentland Infant And Nursery School, Dewsbury (since 2025)
• Diamond Wood Community School, Dewsbury (since 2024)

We’ve also worked in the following schools:

• The Ruth Gorse Academy, Leeds (2019-2022)
• The Stephen Longfellow Academy, Beeston, Leeds (2019-2021)
• Lee Mount Primary School, Halifax (2022-2024)

In Harmony Opera North was awarded Skills Builder Partnership Impact Level 2 for supporting the development of essential skills in ‘Speaking’, ‘Listening’, ‘Staying Positive’ and ‘Teamwork’.

“The In Harmony programme continues to be an essential ingredient in ensuring the future success of our pupils. It continues to define our identity and ethos, and enriches the social, moral, spiritual and cultural aspects of our curriculum in a way that no other project can match.

It has brought communities together and acts as the unifying thread in the tapestry of our ongoing achievements. My pupils exude pride and passion for the In Harmony programme. Long may it continue to change lives for the better.”

— Andy Gamble, Executive Headteacher, Low Road and Windmill Music Federation

In Harmony is a national programme that aims to inspire and transform the lives of children in deprived communities, using the power and disciplines of ensemble music-making. The programme, funded by the Department for Education and Arts Council England, has ongoing projects in Lambeth, Liverpool, Newcastle Gateshead, Nottingham, and Telford and Stoke in addition to In Harmony Opera North.

In Harmony Opera North is generously funded by:
Arts Council England
The Keith Howard Foundation
The Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation
Opera North Future Fund

In Harmony Ambassadors:
The Charles and Elsie Sykes Trust

In Harmony Supporters:
The Harrison-Frank Family Foundation (UK)
Pinsent Masons
The Rudge Shipley Charitable Foundation