When Liz Sneyd wanted to teach classical music to children in Porirua East she was told it was a waste of time.
That was five years ago and the Virtuoso String Orchestra is going strong and the musicians are on their way to Whanganui.
Ms Sneyd and her husband, Craig Utting, hold the firm belief that music education has far-reaching impacts, and should be accessible for all.
"We wanted children in low decile schools to have the same musical opportunities as other children," she says.
"The links between learning a musical instrument, personal growth, mental and physical wellbeing, and academic success have been well established."
The Virtuoso Strings Charitable Trust runs a comprehensive, holistic, free, music scheme including a community orchestra based in Cannons Creek, Porirua.
They work in schools, hold evening practices and there are smaller groups for students who show particular aptitude and keenness.
A bus and a fleet of vans will head for Whanganui next weekend and some junior students will perform at Jane Winstone and Kowhainui before the orchestra takes the stage at the Royal Wanganui Opera House on Saturday night.
"Everyone is welcome to attend the free concert and we want to bring classical music to a wider audience as well," said Ms Sneyd.
"We are parents and we encourage Whanganui parents to bring their children along.
"We understand they might make a bit of noise and move around during the performance which is fine with us."
The Virtuoso Strings Charitable Trust was the winner of the 2018 Trustpower Award for the Wellington region. Members are in Queenstown for the national awards this Saturday where they are up against Whanganui's Grumpy Old Men Enterprises (G.O.M.E) Trust.
Virtuoso Strings Orchestra: Free one hour concert, Royal Wanganui Opera House, Saturday April 21 at 7pm. Donations to the trust gratefully accepted.