Younger audiences are coming to classical music and organisations are working to attract more diverse talent, as well as foster an inclusive environment for staff, performers and audience members.

The positive developments we're seeing were particularly evident in this year's fantastic BBC Proms season which showcased an incredible range of diverse talent including women composers and conductors who have previously been under-represented across the classical sector. The Box Office success of the Proms is a sign that we are growing and that new lovers of classical music are developing all the time.

There will inevitably be disputes between management and unions from time to time around pay and conditions and we will be robust in those discussions. But we have much more in common than that which divides us. By way of example, we are also continuing our important work in partnership with the brilliant Black Lives in Music on changing our recruitment practices in the sector to ensure we are fully representative, both on the concert platform and behind the scenes.

As we go into new orchestral seasons across the UK, we sincerely hope this change in culture continues. The evolution of the sector requires experimentation, consultation and collaboration.

Change often provokes a reaction. Therefore, we want to make it clear that we as communities of music makers stand in support of any individuals or organisations in the sector making positive change and where management and musicians are working productively together to achieve this.

We will stand together against bullying, harassment, abuse and discrimination. The sector should be a safe space for everyone and nobody should be attacked for simply doing their job, especially where they are doing it in the spirit of furthering the profession of music and better serving audiences.

So, let's move forward together as we welcome a new orchestral season, made by all of us for everyone.

September 2024