The UK's orchestras are a vital part of a music industry that contributed £8 billion to the UK economy in 2024. They reach more than 3 million people every year through over 3,000 concerts and performances, support around 13,000 highly skilled jobs, and work with over 700,000 children and young people annually through learning and participation programmes. Through international touring, they showcase the very best of British creativity to audiences across the world and reinforce the UK's reputation as a global cultural leader.

Orchestras are an essential part of the UK's cultural infrastructure. Alongside creating world-class artistic experiences, they contribute to economic growth, nurturing talent, improving health and wellbeing, strengthening communities and inspiring the next generation. Continued investment in the orchestral sector will enable these benefits to be felt in every part of the country.

The ABO looks forward to working with the Government on four key priorities:

• Putting music education back at the heart of opportunity, ensuring every child has access to high-quality music education and pathways to careers in the creative industries through initiatives such as #AnOrchestraInEverySchool.

• Investing in the UK's cultural infrastructure to ensure orchestras can continue creating impactful live music experiences and contribute to economic growth, innovation and thriving places.

• Removing barriers to international touring, enabling British orchestras to strengthen the UK's cultural influence, exports and soft power.

• Embedding culture within England's devolution agenda, ensuring that mayors and local leaders recognise culture as essential infrastructure for thriving places and communities.

Judith Webster, Chief Executive of the Association of British Orchestras, said: "The UK's orchestras are among our greatest cultural assets. They enrich lives, inspire creativity, develop skills, bring communities together and make a significant contribution to the UK's economy and international reputation. We look forward to working with the Prime Minister and his Government to ensure our world-leading orchestras have the investment, support and policy framework they need to flourish. By investing in music education, enabling international touring and embedding culture within England's devolution agenda, we can ensure orchestras continue to make an even greater contribution to communities across the UK and to Britain's standing on the world stage."