Chiara Dellerba, our Community Impact Coordinator for the Midlands, reflects on her first year in the role.

After transitioning from an art background into the orchestral sector, she highlights how she's witnessed the transformative power of orchestral music on individuals and communities.

As my first year working as Community Impact Coordinator (CIC) at Orchestras Live approaches, I find myself reflecting on my role and the journey I've experienced. The decision to transition from producing contemporary art projects to delving into the world of orchestral music was both a thrilling and mysterious leap. With excitement and a bit of trepidation, I embraced the opportunity to integrate my skills and experience within the unique dynamics of orchestral music and community collaboration across the Midlands.

Embracing a new sector

When I started last September, the prospect of exploring a new field with its distinct set of rules and methods was exhilarating. I was eager to bring my expertise in community engagement and artistic collaboration to this new role. The idea of co-producing projects with a diverse array of artists, partners, and community groups fuelled my enthusiasm, though it also presented its own set of challenges.

The importance of flexibility

Stepping into this new world required a great deal of adaptation and learning. I quickly realized the importance of flexibility, mediation, and a sense of harmonious collective effort. The primary challenge was understanding the 'language' of orchestras and the intricate ecosystem they inhabit. I dedicated the first few months to listening, mapping, and absorbing insights from artists, partners, colleagues, and community leaders. This helped me understand the barriers they faced, their expectations, and the impact of our work at Orchestras Live in providing meaningful cultural experiences across the country.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of my role has been focusing on the 'how'. Coming from a design and visual arts background, I was determined to support Orchestras Live in developing creative, multidisciplinary approaches to breaking barriers and fostering music co-creation across different groups with their own unique identities and backgrounds. Throughout most of the projects I worked on, I learned that selecting the right repertoire is crucial, but how we engage with it is even more important. In community projects, improving participants' lives means considering both musical and social outcomes.

The power of music in communities

The Culture Café Makes Music project, a collaboration with Sinfonia Viva, Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Virtual School, and choreographer Debi Hedderwick, was particularly enlightening. I witnessed how music creates a shared space where everyone is equal, regardless of language, social, or economic barriers.

In this space, music fosters coexistence, idea exchange, and solidarity. Individual voices are heard, and diverse groups support one another, often forming unexpected connections. The culmination of these projects often brings participants, musicians, and audiences to tears, underscoring the power of inclusivity and collaboration at Orchestras Live.

Building trust for effective collaboration

As CIC, my role is to create a safe, trusting environment where everyone’s talents can shine. It's about building a sense of community and partnership within the orchestra. This hasn't always been easy; challenges and discoveries are part of the process. Each community and orchestra brings its uniqueness to the projects, and my job is to foster a circle of trust, allowing people and orchestras to work together as a cohesive team.

When I joined Orchestras Live, I questioned whether orchestras truly reflected society and its evolving nuances. Working with different orchestras like Britten Sinfonia, Sinfonia Viva, and Orchestra of the Swan, and engaging with diverse community groups, has shown me that music can indeed change lives. It encourages people from various backgrounds to elevate their life state and nurture their talents.

Reflecting on the journey

Looking back, I believe my mission at Orchestras Live is to expand perceptions of what orchestral music is and can be. By embracing a wide range of music, from Fairuz to Pauline Oliveros, from Seckou Keita to Hildegard von Bingen, and even Mozart to the music of Super Mario Bros, we can challenge narrow definitions and reveal the endless possibilities of orchestral music.

In this role, I've discovered that an orchestra's potential stretches far beyond our expectations. Music has the power to unite us, regardless of our origins, challenges, or dreams. It reveals our shared humanity and unique characteristics. When we work with compassion, understanding, and harmony, the magic truly happens. And nothing epitomizes this more than orchestral music.