On 18th July 2015, we held our very first New Note Orchestra workshop in Brighton. It marked the start of something truly unique – the world’s first recovery orchestra.
This followed years of groundwork by our founder, Molly, who had spent time setting up the charity and building relationships with local drug, alcohol and recovery services. She had already seen first-hand the powerful role music could play in supporting recovery. In 2013, she produced a Channel 4 documentary in which musician and recovering alcoholic James McConnal worked with 10 classical musicians – all of whom had been affected by addiction – over two months to compose and perform a new piece of music with the London Symphony Orchestra. She also knew the need was there in Brighton… but would anyone turn up?
She needn’t have worried. That day, 20 people showed up – including Roger, our longest-serving musician, who has played an integral role in New Note’s journey. Our first official rehearsal took place a couple of months later, in October 2015. The idea was simple: if we had enough musicians, we’d compose a piece and perform it publicly that December. Nine musicians walked through the doors of St. Luke’s Church. That night, New Note Orchestra was born – and St. Luke’s has been our home ever since.
Humble beginnings
From the start, our vision was to create original music, rather than play pieces that required sight-reading or musical training. In those early days, all we had was the church piano and a couple of percussion instruments. Then people started bringing their own guitars. There was no funding at the beginning – we improvised, adapted and grew as the musicians got to know each other and began to form meaningful connections.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of New Note is watching members grow in confidence and ability. It’s especially inspiring to see long-time members welcome and support newcomers, recognising the courage it takes to step into something unfamiliar. That sense of community and encouragement is at the heart of what makes New Note so special.”
– Conall Gleeson, New Note Orchestra Music Director since 2016
A decade of growth
10 years on, it’s with huge pride that we look back at everything New Note Orchestra has become – and the impact we’ve had.
We now run four distinct projects, each built on the same foundation: using music to create safe, creative communities where people in recovery can connect, build confidence, develop skills, reduce social isolation and challenge the stereotypes surrounding addiction.
New Note Strummers was launched in 2017, in response to demand from guitarists within the Orchestra who wanted a separate space dedicated to their instrument.
“Strummers has become like family to me. Addiction is an illness of isolation, and Strummers is about community, and feeling part of something.”
– New Note Strummers performer, 2025
Key Changers began as a pilot in 2022, training and mentoring our musicians to become community music leaders, ready to deliver workshops in community spaces including addiction centres and homeless shelters and using their lived experience to inspire others. Our 10 Key Changers for 2025 have recently graduated.
“The Orchestra supports my recovery in many ways. It helps immensely with stress relief and general moods… It also helps me connect with other people inside and outside the Orchestra.”
– New Note Orchestra performer, 2025
New Note Dance was launched in 2023 by former Orchestra member Lauren Dowse, giving participants a safe and expressive space to explore themes of recovery through movement.
“It [attending New Note Dance sessions] has reminded me of what joy is. I have felt safe in the space to be myself. I have been able to be vulnerable. I don’t feel as judged. New Note Dance has helped me remember myself before trauma.”
– New Note Dance performer, 2025
Our impact in numbers
In 2024 alone:
- 357 people engaged in a New Note workshop
- 67–73% retention rate across all groups
- Participants stayed with the Orchestra for an average of 4.8 years
Positive outcomes reported by our service users:
- 100% agreed our support helped their recovery
- 100% felt more positive about themselves
- 83% reported reduced levels of social isolation
- 63% reported improved emotional wellbeing
“Since working with the Orchestra, I have felt more motivated and happy than I have in my life.”
– New Note Orchestra performer, 2025
National recognition
In 2024, we were honoured to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service – the MBE for charities – recognising our outstanding work in the community.
Over the last 10 years, we’ve collaborated with amazing organisations both within and outside the growing recovery arts space, including Fallen Angels Dance Theatre and the Royal Ballet, and performed at the Royal Opera House.
Looking ahead
At the heart of New Note Orchestra has always been one simple idea: connection – not just to music, but to each other. We create safe, creative spaces where people in recovery can come together as a community, and support one another. Through the transformative power of making music collectively, participants can rebuild their lives and rediscover their confidence.
As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, it’s clear our model works. Our musicians have written their own music, recorded original albums and performed in front of thousands of people on stages usually reserved for the world’s top performers. More importantly, with every note played, they’ve taken a step towards sustained recovery and challenged society’s perceptions of what people affected by addiction can achieve.
Here’s to the next 10 years of music, growth, connection and hope.
Will you help someone find joy in recovery?
At New Note, people in recovery come together through music – to connect, heal and rebuild their lives.
Your support makes this possible. Just £30 helps two people attend one of our weekly rehearsals. A monthly gift helps us be there for the long haul.
Donate today and show someone they’re not alone.