The ABO Annual Conference, the UK’s leading classical music forum, will come to Gateshead on 5 – 7 February 2025, hosted by The Glasshouse International Centre for Music.

Join colleagues from across the industry for a rich programme of discussion, debate and practical takeaways. With an exciting line-up of speakers from the worlds of classical music, politics and beyond, we will tackle the hot topics our sector is currently grappling with, from sector investment and AI to industry standards and pathways into the arts.

Features of the 2025 Conference will include:

The ‘Presidential Debate’

Opening the Conference, we present a fast-paced, big-hearted, presidential-style debate where six figures from different aspects of the profession will express their ardent, topical aspirations for classical music’s future. A fun and lively session, with a serious edge, moderated by broadcaster and writer Kate Molleson.

Plenaries Offering Unique Insights into the Current State of our Sector

High level speakers are currently being confirmed for two Plenary sessions focusing on two major topics. We will hear first-hand from the new DCMS Ministerial team on how the Labour Government will deliver on its missions and what this means for the UK orchestral sector. We’ll also present the findings and reflections from our recent workforce survey, the Compelling Employment Offer, with the Advisory Board for the Arts.

‘Deep Dives’ and a Carousel of Practical Workshops

Following the huge popularity of last year’s Deep Dives, these bumper sessions return to Conference again this year, delving into topics of organisational culture change and how we build a positive vision for the future for orchestras to thrive. This year we are also introducing a carousel of practical workshops and toolkits where delegates can choose to attend a selection of six, small scale 45-minute sessions on a range of topics, each of which will be repeated twice.

Special Performance

This year we offer two live performances – as well as the Conference Concert on Thursday 6th February, delegates will also be treated to a special Royal Northern Sinfonia ensemble performance of Julius Eastman’s 1974 composition Femenine on Wednesday 5th February, at the historic Wylam Brewery, famed for hosting some of Newcastle’s most eclectic events.