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 - Wednesday 21 October

Our latest communication to members was sent out on Wednesday 21 October. 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 and MU highlight lack of financial support for freelance musicians

The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) and the Musicians’ Union (MU) have joined forces to express their deep concern about the lack of support for self-employed musicians during the Covid-19 outbreak.

RPS/ABO Salomon Prize 2020

Jane Mitchell wins the RPS ABO Salomon Prize

A Manifesto for Recovery - COVID-19 and the UK’s Orchestras - Updated 1 October

The ABO has produced a set of key messages on the impact of Covid-19 on the UK’s orchestras, our asks of national governments, and how we will generate a return on their investment.

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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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