Association of British Orchestras

News & Press

ABO welcomes Prime Minister Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP's Government

The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) congratulates Prime Minister Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP on the formation of his Government and looks forward to working closely with ministers to ensure the UK's celebrated orchestral sector continues to thrive and contribute to the nation's cultural, social and economic success.

Association of British Orchestras responds to ´Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music´

The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) welcomes the publication of the Government's ´Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music´ and looks forward to working with ministers, the newly appointed Music Champion Michael Dugher, and partners across the sector to deliver its ambitions.

ABO Announces Final ‘Sirens’ Grants to Promote Music of Historical Women as Fund Founder Diana Ambache Receives MBE 

The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) has announced the tenth and final round of grants from the Sirens Fund awarded to orchestras performing music by historic women composers from around the world.

ABO Reflects on 10 years Post Brexit Referendum

Ten years on from the Brexit referendum, UK orchestras continue to feel the impact of post-Brexit touring arrangements, with increased costs and administrative complexity affecting international activity.

ABO Statement on Government and Arts Council England Responses to the Hodge Review

The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) welcomes the UK Government’s response to the Hodge Review and Arts Council England’s considered response to its recommendations.

ABO contributes to UK–EU cultural exchange discussions in Brussels and Westminster

The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) has played an active role in a significant week of advocacy for the UK’s orchestral and wider music sector, contributing to high-level discussions on cultural exchange and international touring both in Brussels and in Whitehall.

Dame Kathryn McDowell DBE, DL, Managing Director of the London Symphony Orchestra, Honoured at the Association of British Orchestras Awards 2026

Announced at a live event at the Southbank Centre in London, on the evening of Wednesday 4 February, the award ceremony also revealed the winners of the 2026 ABO Impact Awards, which celebrated the work of Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Orchestras for All, National Youth Folk Ensemble, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s In Harmony programme and Deborah Annetts, Chief Executive of the Independent Society of Musicians.

ABO Welcomes Key Recommendations in Hodge Review of Arts Council England

The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) today welcomes the publication of the Hodge Review of Arts Council England and the opportunity it provides to strengthen the frameworks that support a vibrant, resilient and inclusive orchestral sector.

Related information

For press enquiries please contact Hanna, ABO's Head of Policy and Communications.

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Annual Conference

The next ABO conference will take place in Birmingham from 3-5 February 2027.