'Classical music never really appealed to me'

A young trumpeter who says classical music never initially appealed to him is now being trained and mentored by a leading orchestra.

Harry Bassett, from Poole, is one of three musicians to take part in the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra's (BSO) latest Young Associates scheme.

The bursary sees the musicians join the orchestra to work on community projects throughout the south west of England as part of the seven-month-long scheme.

Mr Bassett, who is a wheelchair user, told the BBC that trying to promote inclusivity in music was "very important for me as a disabled musician".

He said he first became aware of the BSO when the group performed at his school.

"I must confess, if I'm being honest, classical music and orchestral music never really appealed to me," he said.

"Just having the chance to experience that music, that's really why I wanted to go into such things with the BSO - because they are such an interesting bunch and provide such unique opportunities for everyone to access music in all kinds of different ways."

"I think that's what really grabbed me about this opportunity, seeing the joy that that brings to people in schools and in the community."

Launched in 2022, the BSO Young Associates scheme was created with the aim of increasing diversity and opportunity in classical music.

It offers musicians aged 18-26 a "career springboard" through practical experience, training and mentoring each year.

Mr Basset, who is a trumpet player, musical director and composer, will work with schools and organisations around Bournemouth as part of the scheme.

He is also a member of the Paraorchestra - an integrated orchestra of disabled and non-disabled musicians, and the first ever group of its kind in the UK.

The "biggest obstacle" with being a disabled musician was accessing the venues, Mr Basset told BBC Radio Solent.

"It's something that I strive to really ask venues, and I'm always looking for solutions," he said.

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