The ABO provides a range of services and benefits for members, including:

Sector Representation

• ABO representation for orchestras and the classical music sector through:
  • briefings, consultations and survey responses to the UK and devolved national Governments (e.g. the Classical Music APPG)
  • public affairs and communications strategies
  • membership of and links to key UK industry bodies and national/ international partners (e.g. LIVE, CIISA, PEARLE, Cultural Exchange Coalition)
• Collective representation and consultation in negotiations for the ABO/Musicians’ Union Freelance Orchestral Agreement (Full members only)
  

Resources and Sector Guidance

• Access to the Members’ Area of the ABO website, containing member-only resources, briefings, case studies, reports, events, exclusive discounts, partnership offers and more.
• Factsheets and guidance on a range of areas via the ABO Members’ Area (e.g. Touring, VAT, Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR), Sustainability, CIISA, Health and Safety, Noise at Work, Sexual Harassment toolkits etc.)
• Signposted to specialist advice services

Communications & Publicity

• ABO Newsletters and membership bulletins on current issues, campaigns and news
• Organisation/Individual listing in the ABO’s public Member Directory
• Expanded Member Directory profile, including custom URL and organisational biography (Full members only)
• Free vacancy advertisement on the ABO’s Jobs Board

Campaigns, Projects and Initiatives

• Take part in sector-wide initiatives (e.g. Inclusive Recruitment, #AnOrchestraInEverySchool etc.)

Member Events

• Networking Events available to all staff members, with meetings and topical discussions featuring occasional guest speakers, catering to a range of business areas, interests and roles. (in-person/online)
• Briefings on sector updates and government guidance
• Access wider events and briefings through ABO partnership (e.g. LIVE)
• Preferential discounts on tickets for the ABO Conference and events
• Opportunity to propose topics and panels for the ABO Conference and member events
• Advance access and discount pricing on sponsorship opportunities at the ABO Conference and other ABO programmes

Awards

• Nominate organisations, projects and individuals for recognition in the ABO Impact Awards
• Opportunity to submit nominations for the prestigious ABO Award

Partnerships

• Discounted Performing Arts, Business and professional insurance packages through Partners&
• Signposted services and advice for Wellbeing and Mental Health, including helplines, training courses and guidance on working from home and managing performance anxiety

Governance

• Invitation to the ABO’s Annual General Meeting
• Stand for election* to the ABO board and contribute towards the organisation’s strategy (*Full members only - co-opted director vacancies are eligible for all members)
• Vote in ABO board elections and the AGM (Full members only)