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 - Friday 10 September

Our latest communication to members was sent out on Friday 10 September. 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 Symphony Services Australia launch online orchestral symposium

This week the Association of British Orchestras and Symphony Services Australia will launch an online orchestral symposium, Orchestral Connections, specially for members of these organisations. Comprising four webinars, these sessions will feature speakers from both the UK and Australia, and panels will naturally focus on the new landscape for orchestras post-COVID. Discussions will also look beyond the pandemic to ways in which orchestras will remain relevant and thrive in the future. Orchestral Connections is supported by the UK/Australia Season Patrons, the British Council, the Australian Government and Creative Partnerships Australia through the Australian Cultural Fund as part of the UK/Australia Season 2021-22.

Jo Buckley and Paul Philbert MBE elected to Board of ABO

Following an election on Tuesday 22 June 2021, the Association of British Orchestras has announced the appointment of Jo Buckley and Paul Philbert MBE as nominated directors to its board. This announcement follows the recent appointment of Leslie Kwan and Chris Loughran to the ABO board as co-opted directors earlier this year.

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.

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