'I'm autistic and my orchestra helps me be myself'

A French horn player has said that being part of an orchestra that includes disabled and neurodivergent musicians has helped her to be herself.

Georgina Spray, 25, plays for and is assistant music leader for the Birmingham National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO) ensemble.

She is set to perform with the orchestra in an inclusive concert experience at Birmingham Town Hall on 8 June.

"As an autistic musician, NOYO has given me opportunities within the music sector… I'm in an ensemble where I belong and I can be myself," she said.

"I started playing the French horn when I was 12, and I love making music and playing with other musicians."

NOYO sees 11 to 25-year-old disabled and non-disabled musicians rehearse and perform together.

The event on Sunday is set to have a relaxed atmosphere designed to welcome neurodivergent and disabled audiences.

There will be a seating area with bean bags and a "chill out" area outside the venue's concert hall for anyone who needs a bit of quiet during the performance.

It will also be British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted.

The ensemble will perform six pieces of music, using a mix of electronic and acoustic instruments.

"Our concert is called 'No more barriers, just great music', because NOYO is breaking down the barriers, so as musicians we can just focus on our love for the music," said Ms Spray.

"Our first piece of the concert, which is called Barriers, by Oliver Cross, has a really lovely horn solo which I enjoy playing."

"What I love about NOYO is the diversity, and all musicians share the love of music and you can really hear that at our concerts," she said.

"NOYO is proving that with a few adjustments, ensembles can be inclusive.

"It's really important to me that the audience can see themselves represented on the stage, and I love that about our relaxed performances."

The Birmingham Town Hall performance on 8 June begins at 15:00 BST.

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