BOURNEMOUTH Symphony Orchestra’s new disabled-led ensemble, will make its national debut at the BBC’s Relaxed Proms this summer.

BSO Resound is made up of a group of musicians with conditions such as blindness, autism and partial deafness, led by James Rose who has cerebral palsy and conducts using a baton strapped to his head.

He said: “There are barriers facing disabled musicians, and our performance at the proms will show that inclusivity is possible within classical music. I hope that our BSO performance will inspire people, with or without a disability, to engage with music and open up more opportunities for diversity and accessibility in the arts sector.”

The Relaxed Proms allows audience members of all ages to enjoy a symphony orchestra concert in a more relaxed atmosphere.

The concert on Monday, August 27 at 4.15pm is open to all audiences, and the environment is specifically adapted for concertgoers with autistic spectrum conditions, those with sensory, communication or learning difficulties and anyone else who would benefit from a less formal environment.

Dougie Scarfe, BSO chief executive said: “As we celebrate the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s 125th anniversary, we are delighted to have been invited to perform at the BBC’s Relaxed Proms. For many years the BSO has been undertaking its ground-breaking work to leverage cultural change to make music accessible to everyone.

“This concert will see the first major UK performance by BSO Resound. We are so proud to have them as part of our portfolio of ensembles and as a core part of activities, championing world-class inclusive orchestras.”