open up music
©Photo: open up music
open up music
©Photo: open up music
open up music
©Photo: open up music

Open Up Music – Funding the Clarion

The HarrisonParrott Foundation financially supports the ongoing research and development of Open Up Music’s ground-breaking accessible musical instrument, The Clarion. Available on iPad and PC, this award-winning instrument can be played independently and expressively with any part of the body, including the eyes. The Clarion is currently available through Open Orchestras and the National Open Youth Orchestra, and the intention is to make the instrument available also outside of these programmes.

"What Fear We Then?" by Alexander Campkin performed by members of the National Open Youth Orchestra © National Open Youth Orchestra
The Clarion website

“I really enjoy playing Clarion and being part of NOYO”

Evie

Over 600 young disabled musicians in Open Orchestras through 55 special schools have continued to have access to Clarion and a better performing version of Clarion. NOYO musicians have also been able to develop their musical skills.

“I like being together, meeting everyone and playing music, learning new music and making new patterns on my Clarion”

Alessandro

Opportunities to promote Clarion included an independent report about NOYO’s first four years published earlier this year and launched at the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) Conference 2023.

HarrisonParrott Foundation’s partnership and investment make it possible for Clarion to move forward towards its next stage — becoming more widely available outside of our Open Orchestras and NOYO programmes from this autumn, supported by new educational materials to support people to play and progress their music skills.

“As an industry leader, I recognise the Clarion as a vital development. This groundbreaking instrument expands access to music-making, allowing a more diverse range of musicians to participate. By doing so, it injects fresh talent and innovation into the industry, which is essential for its growth and evolution. The Clarion doesn’t just democratise music — it sets the stage for the next wave of creative breakthroughs that will shape the future of our industry.”

Lissy Kelleher-Clarke