Association of British Orchestras

The ABO represents the collective interests of professional orchestras, youth ensembles and the wider classical music industry throughout the UK.

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Connecting

The ABO connects member to member and the wider industry through networking opportunities, keeping them well-informed and up-to-date with best practice to help build resilience and financial sustainability

Championing

The ABO champions British orchestras and the wider membership, raising their profile and influence with key stakeholders and the British public, through political engagement, media, social networks and stakeholder bulletins.

Developing

The ABO helps develop the skills and knowledge of its members’ staff, including providing and signposting to high quality professional development opportunities for all tiers of management and musicians.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE - Tuesday 11 May

Our latest communication to members was sent out on Tuesday 11 May. If you did not receive this, a copy can be found in the Advice and Factsheets section of the Members Area along with other resources that members may find useful during this time.

Black Lives Matter

The ABO stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and against all forms of discrimination, injustice and inequality. We recognise the lack of diversity in UK orchestras and, working hand in hand with Arts Council England’s Diversity in Classical Music project, acknowledge the enormous amount of work which needs to be done. We believe fundamentally in supporting and promoting positive, meaningful change in our industry, society and the wider world. We pledge to be more attentive, to do better and to foster a space where everyone is both seen and heard. In doing so we strive for an orchestral sector that is without fear of prejudice or exclusion and that is fully inclusive, representative and reflective of the communities that we serve.

News and press

ABO & British Council's International Mentoring Programme for emerging orchestral leaders

The ABO and British Council have joined forces in an International Mentoring Programme. The scheme, delivered by the ABO, is designed to benefit the next generation of emerging leaders of orchestras. We are delighted to have chosen four ambitious individuals who are keen to create international networks for the future and want to learn more about working with the UK. The selected participants have been paired with senior figures from the UK orchestral sector to develop their knowledge and expertise, and to enable the creation of new links between international peers.

The unsung heroes of the classical music industry are honoured at the ABO Awards

As the Association of British Orchestra Conference comes to a close today (12 March), the industry body has announced the recipient of its annual ABO Award and the winners of the 2021 ABO/Classical Music Awards, celebrating the achievements of colleagues across the sector during what has been an incredibly challenging year.

The classical music industry gathers for the 2021 ABO Conference this week

The conference theme of 'AFTERSHOCK' includes sessions on COVID recovery, Brexit, and inequity.

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Specialist managers meetings

SMMs are one of the ABO’s key services that are most valued by members.
Each group of managers meets twice a year to discuss topical issues and hear from pertinent speakers.

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