Key Points
- Haringey Music Service, run by Haringey Council, has established a new permanent headquarters at Alexandra Palace through a long-term partnership with the North London arts venue.
- The partnership provides access to rehearsal, performance, and learning spaces, including the Transmitter Hall and Creativity Pavilion.
- Following two years of collaboration, the new agreement formalises the relationship and unlocks wider collaboration opportunities.
- The service can now expand programmes, support special needs provision, increase opportunities for progression into ensembles and youth orchestras, and connect young people to the wider music industry.
- Future possibilities include joint funding bids and hosting larger events, according to Haringey Council.
- The launch was marked by a Schools Christmas Carol Concert on Wednesday, 10th December, attended by Haringey Council leader Peray Ahmet and cabinet member for children Zena Brabazon.
- Over 120 school children participated, including 19 pupils from Haringey primary schools, showcasing the energy, talent, and diversity of Haringey’s youngest voices.
- Cllr Zena Brabazon stated that the relocation is about opening doors for young people and making music central to community life.
- Emma Dagnes OBE, chief executive of Alexandra Palace, emphasised the venue’s commitment to creative opportunities and welcomed the service as part of a thriving creative hub.
- Haringey Music Service ensembles and choirs have performed at prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall, BBC Proms, and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and have toured internationally.
Haringey Music Service Secures Permanent Base at Iconic Venue
Haringey Music Service, a council-run initiative dedicated to nurturing young musical talent, has officially celebrated its new permanent headquarters at Alexandra Palace in North London. This milestone comes through a formalised long-term partnership with the historic arts venue, promising expanded opportunities for thousands of young musicians across the borough.
The service, which has operated temporarily at the palace for the past two years, now gains dedicated access to key facilities such as the Transmitter Hall and Creativity Pavilion. These spaces will support rehearsal, performance, and learning activities, enabling the programme to scale up significantly.
As reported in the original coverage from Haringey Council sources, the agreement “unlocks wider collaboration” between the partners. This development allows Haringey Music Service to broaden its reach, particularly in supporting special needs provision and creating pathways for young people to progress into ensembles, youth orchestras, and professional music industry roles.
Haringey Council highlighted that the partnership opens doors for joint funding bids and hosting larger-scale events, marking a transformative step for the service’s future growth.
What Does the New Partnership Entail?
The collaboration builds on two years of successful joint work, now cemented into a permanent arrangement. Alexandra Palace, known for its rich cultural heritage and modern facilities, provides not just physical space but a vibrant ecosystem for musical development.
Key benefits include enhanced rehearsal and performance venues, which will directly aid in expanding programmes. Council officials noted that this move will “increase opportunities for progression into ensembles and youth orchestras” while “connecting young people directly to the wider music industry”.
This formalisation is seen as a strategic alliance, leveraging Alexandra Palace’s reputation as a hub for creativity. The venue’s Charitable Trust status aligns perfectly with the service’s educational mission, fostering an environment where young talents can flourish alongside established acts.
Who Attended the Launch Event?
The partnership’s launch coincided with the Schools Christmas Carol Concert held at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday, 10th December. Haringey Council leader Peray Ahmet and cabinet member for children Zena Brabazon graced the event, underscoring the local authority’s commitment.
More than 120 school children performed, with 19 pupils from Haringey primary schools taking centre stage. The concert vividly demonstrated the “energy, talent, and diversity of Haringey’s youngest voices”, as described in council reports.
This festive gathering served as a fitting celebration, blending community spirit with musical showcase. It highlighted the immediate impact of the new base, allowing such large-scale events to become a regular feature.
What Did Key Figures Say About the Move?
Cllr Zena Brabazon, cabinet member for children, provided a poignant reflection on the relocation’s significance. As reported by Haringey Council communications, she stated:
“Relocating Haringey Music to Alexandra Palace is about more than a change of location – it’s about opening doors for our young people. Ally Pally is a place where culture, history, and creativity meet, and it will give our musicians the space and platform they deserve. This move strengthens our vision of making music central to community life and ensuring every child has the chance to thrive through creativity.”
Emma Dagnes OBE, chief executive of Alexandra Palace, echoed this enthusiasm. In statements attributed to the venue’s official release, she said:
“As a charitable trust, Alexandra Palace is committed to providing creative, cultural and learning opportunities for all. Deepening our partnership with Haringey Music Service strengthens that mission and supports the development of young musicians across the borough and beyond. With our Creative Learning Programme and the BBC Concert Orchestra, our associate orchestra, who rehearse and perform here regularly, Haringey Music Service adds to a thriving hub of creativity, and we are delighted to welcome them permanently into our community.”
These comments from council and venue leaders emphasise a shared vision for accessible music education, positioning Alexandra Palace as a cornerstone for Haringey’s cultural landscape.
How Will This Impact Young Musicians?
For the young participants of Haringey Music Service, the implications are profound. The service’s ensembles and choirs have already achieved remarkable feats, performing at world-class venues including the Royal Albert Hall, BBC Proms, and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. International tours have further elevated their profiles.
With the new permanent home, expansion becomes feasible. Programmes tailored for special needs students will receive bolstered support, while progression routes into advanced groups like youth orchestras will multiply. Direct links to the music industry promise real-world exposure, potentially launching careers.
Haringey Council anticipates that joint funding bids will secure additional resources, enabling even grander events. This could transform the service from a local gem into a borough-wide powerhouse, inspiring the next generation of performers.
Why Alexandra Palace as the New Home?
Alexandra Palace, affectionately known as “Ally Pally”, stands as an ideal partner due to its legacy and facilities. Perched atop Muswell Hill, the venue has hosted everything from early television broadcasts to major concerts, blending history with contemporary arts programming.
Its Creative Learning Programme and residency of the BBC Concert Orchestra create a dynamic environment. Haringey Music Service integrates seamlessly, enhancing the palace’s role as a “thriving hub of creativity”, as noted by Emma Dagnes OBE.
The two-year prelude to this partnership allowed both sides to test synergies, proving the model’s viability. Now formalised, it ensures stability and growth, benefiting not just Haringey but potentially musicians from across North London.
What Are the Broader Community Benefits?
This alliance extends beyond music lessons, weaving creativity into community fabric. By centralising activities at Alexandra Palace, Haringey Council aims to make high-quality music education accessible, fostering inclusivity and diversity.
Events like the Christmas Carol Concert exemplify this, uniting over 120 children in celebration. Larger future gatherings could draw crowds, boosting local engagement and tourism.
Economically, joint bids for funding may attract grants from arts bodies, sustaining free or low-cost programmes. For special needs provision, dedicated spaces mean tailored support, ensuring no talent is sidelined.
Haringey Music Service’s track record—performances at iconic sites and global tours—lends credibility. This permanence elevates their status, potentially partnering with orchestras like the BBC Concert Orchestra for mentorships.
What Challenges Might Arise and How Are They Addressed?
While the partnership appears seamless, logistics such as space allocation and scheduling must be managed. The council’s statement on pursuing joint funding suggests proactive financial planning to mitigate costs.
Alexandra Palace’s charitable ethos ensures equitable access, with commitments to “learning opportunities for all”. Leaders like Cllr Brabazon frame it as a visionary step, implying robust governance.
Past successes, including high-profile performances, indicate resilience. The two-year collaboration phase likely ironed out initial hurdles, paving a smooth path forward.
How Does This Fit into Haringey’s Cultural Strategy?
Haringey Council’s investment reflects a broader push to embed arts in everyday life. Leader Peray Ahmet’s attendance signals high-level endorsement, aligning with goals for youth development.
By partnering with Alexandra Palace, the borough taps into a venue synonymous with innovation. This could inspire similar initiatives, positioning Haringey as a cultural leader in North London.
The service’s diversity showcase at the concert underscores inclusivity, vital in a multicultural area. Long-term, it promises a pipeline of skilled musicians contributing to local and national scenes.
This partnership marks a new chapter for Haringey Music Service, blending heritage with ambition at Alexandra Palace. As young voices echo through its halls, the ripple effects on community creativity are set to endure.
