Association of British Orchestras

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

Join ABO today Members area

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 - Thursday 3 December

Our latest communication to members was sent out on Thursday 3 December. 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 announces Simon Webb as new Chair

Director of the BBC Philharmonic, Simon Webb, has been elected as the new Chair of the Association of British Orchestras (ABO). He succeeds Gavin Reid, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

Nominations open for 2021 ABO/Classical Music peer recognition awards

Nominations for the annual ABO/Classical Music industry awards are now open until Friday 22 January 2021, inviting managers in the orchestral sector to celebrate the achievements of colleagues across orchestras, concert halls and artist management during what has been a challenging year for the UK’s orchestras and their musicians. For further information on how to submit nominations, click here.

ABO opens applications for Sirens Fund grants

Applications have opened for the ABO’s latest round of grants from its Sirens Fund which offers UK orchestras with financial support for projects to raise the awareness and appreciation of music written by historic women composers from around the world.

View all news