Information

Healthy Orchestra

The Healthy Orchestra Charter is a joint initiative by the ABO and the Musicians Benevolent Fund (MBF). Launched at the 2006 ABO Conference in Newcastle Gateshead, the Charter has been designed to set an industry wide standard of care and awards Charter Marks to orchestras that are displaying good practice towards the physical, mental and emotional health of employees - both orchestral musicians and their management. Over 60% of delegate orchestras at the 2006 ABO Conference signed up to the Charter, demonstrating the level of commitment to employees' health that already exists within the sector.

The first Bronze Charter Marks were awarded to the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal Opera House at the 2007 ABO Conference in Manchester by MBF Chief Executive, Rosanna Preston. Bronze Charter Marks have since been awarded to more than a dozen orchestras and three are also holders of Silver Awards.

The first Silver Charter Mark was awarded to the Royal Opera House at the 2008 ABO Conference in Brighton.

The beginning of 2010 saw an evaluation of the first three years of the Charter undertaken by evaluators, Annabel Jackson Associates. The results of this evaluation will be published in the Spring of 2010.

Downloads

By clicking on the links below you can download PDF's of the ABO/MBF Healthy Orchestra Charter and the Application form for Bronze Awards.

Whilst the Charter is being evaluated we are not publishing a deadline for Bronze but interested orchestras should contact Keith to discuss a timetable for submission. Please contact the ABO office if you have any further queries.

Silver award invitation letters can be submitted at any time. Again please email keith for further details.

	Healthy Orchestra Charter (inc Silver & Gold)
	Healthy Orchestra Charter Application Form (Bronze only)
	Healthy Orchestra Charter Award Holders