We are delighted that the Hallé Youth Orchestra has been given an incredibly generous grant from The Laufey Foundation.

After finding success in classical and jazz music, LA-based Icelandic-Chinese artist Laufey started The Laufey Foundation to help young musicians get the same chances she had. Inspired by her own experience with great mentors and education, the foundation gives grants and top-quality gear to youth music programs around the world. Its goal is to make sure all aspiring musicians have the resources they need, especially through youth orchestras, to reach their full potential.

Members of the Hallé Youth Orchestra recently experienced one of Laufey’s live shows at Manchester’s Co-op Live and had the exciting opportunity to meet her after the performance. Below are some of the comments from the youth orchestra members who were inspired by her show and enjoyed their Q&A with her about her musical journey, her challenges and her advice for them as aspiring young musicians:

  • As an aspiring cellist and singer right now who wants to do a music degree and a post graduate degree at a conservatoire, I feel really inspired to have met you. Your artistry and musicality in both jazz and classical music is impeccable and breathtaking.

 

  • You are such a great inspiration to me as an aspiring songwriter who also grew up in the classical world. Congratulations on such a phenomenal show, and for letting us experience it.

 

  • Your words were very inspiring to hear and you’ve made me want to listen to your songs all the time. Thank you for the amazing opportunity!

 

  • Thank you so much for inviting us all to come and meet you, the Q&A was really useful and a great opportunity and the concert was amazing! Maybe when I’ve graduated from music conservatoire your MD might find me and recruit me to play Latin percussion for you haha. Thank you so much.

 

  • Thank you so much for the opportunity for us to come and see you and your concert and soundcheck on Wednesday. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget and it was so inspiring.

 

  • Thank you so much for the amazing concert, it was phenomenal and your cello playing is beautiful! Thanks so much for answering my question about your band, I found it very helpful and inspiring. I’m a cellist so am really interested in becoming part of a band like yours in the future! The concert was great and I will definitely buy a ticket to your next one!

 

  • Meeting you and attending your concert was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget. Your sincerity and respect for all forms of art is wonderful and truly inspiring! Thank you so much for this opportunity and please come back to Manchester soon!