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.

News and press

Creative Solutions: ABO Announces Annual Conference in Bristol 24 – 26 January 2024

The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) Annual Conference, the UK’s leading classical music forum, will come to Bristol on 24 – 26 January 2024. The sector will come together at this unmissable event, tackling the challenges of inclusive recruitment; emerging technologies; sustainability; and how we can shift the dial in the narrative around the impact and value of the work of British orchestras, on and off the concert platform.

Nominations open for 2024 ABO Classical Music Awards

Nominations for the annual ABO Classical Music industry awards are now open until 5pm on Friday 1 December 2023.

Sophie Lewis Confirmed as New ABO Chair

Following an inclusive and wide-ranging recruitment process, Sophie Lewis, CEO of the National Children's Orchestras, has been appointed Chair of the Association of British Orchestras (ABO), a key position in UK performing arts. The appointment takes immediate effect, as ABO Interim Chair Jenny Jamison resumes her role of Vice-Chair.

View all news

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.

View all