SESSION 1 – Creative Health

Purcell Room

Orchestras and other arts organisations are already transforming lives through creative health, from hospital wards to community wellbeing projects, yet much of this impact remains under-recognised in policy and commissioning. Connecting policymakers with grassroots delivery, this session explores how we can move from inspiring examples to system-wide change. Drawing on the recommendations of the Creative Industries Council’s Health and Wellbeing Forum report, we ask how seriously policymakers take this work and how to connect them with everyday impact at grassroots level so that its full potential can be realised. What might that look like?

Chaired by Victoria Hume, Director, Creative Health and Wellbeing Alliance, with speakers including Laura Waters, Head of Arts, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust and Director, National Arts in Hospitals Network (NAHN); Charlotte Osborn-Forde, Chief Executive, National Academy for Social Prescribing; Simon Opher MP, Chair, Creative Health APPG; Fiona Lambert, Joint CEO (acting) & Director of Participation, City of London Sinfonia; and Alex Brierley, Director of Creative Engagement of the Southbank Centre.

SESSION 2 – Education

Purcell Room

Orchestras make a huge contribution to music education at every stage, reaching around one million children and young people each year. Following the government’s curriculum review and the creation of a National Centre for Arts and Music Education, this is a key moment to take stock of the implications and opportunities for UK orchestras.

This interactive session will help identify the government’s strategic priorities for music education and consider how the orchestral sector can best contribute. You may come away feeling that what you are doing is spot on, needs some adjustment, or could move in an entirely new direction. Our panel of experts will guide us through.

Sophie Lewis will chair this session, with speakers including Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England; Dr Adam Whittaker and Dr Anthony Anderson, Birmingham City University; and Jillian Barker, Director of Learning and Participation, Royal Opera House.

SESSION 3 – Politics and Polarisation

Queen Elizabeth Hall

How can orchestras navigate an increasingly politicised landscape and a polarised social and political climate?

From programming works by controversial composers and presenting performers with explicit political viewpoints, to managing public reactions and protests – whether directed at performers, repertoire, or the use of a performance to make a statement – this session explores how to operate in a highly politicised world.

Our panel will discuss the spectrum of responses, from taking the path of least resistance and avoiding controversy altogether to managing a political crisis in real time. This open debate will share experiences and consider the role of orchestras as activists or bystanders. Where do you draw the line?

Speakers include Sarah Bardwell, Managing Director, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Rachel van Walsum, Executive Chair, Maestro Arts; Jessica Duchen, classical music critic, author and librettist; and Simon Woods, President, League of American Orchestras.

SESSION 4 – Devolution

Purcell Room

As combined and mayoral authorities gain greater powers, what does this shift mean for the future of arts and culture across the UK? This session explores how devolved decision-making can strengthen sector unity, better reflect local priorities, and influence national policy. Drawing on existing models, we will examine the challenges and consider how well represented we feel as a sector in an age of reform. What can we learn from different regional and national approaches?

Professor Katy Shaw, author of the APPG Inquiry report The Case for Culture on how to rebuild, rebalance and recover cultural production post-Covid, will host this interactive panel discussion.

Speakers include Dougie Scarfe, Chief Executive, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra; Fran Hegyi, Chief Executive, Edinburgh International Festival; Claire Mera-Nelson, Director, Music, Arts Council England; and Mat Flynn, Director, Music Futures, Liverpool.

SESSION 2 – The Orchestral Future: AI for Culture

Purcell Room

What are the opportunities and threats posed by artificial intelligence? These conversations are often very binary. This provocative session explores creative experimentation and curiosity as approaches to learning, We’ll take a closer look at the application of AI within the culture sector, with hard hitting provocations for the audience to debate.

Speakers include Jocelyn Burnham, AI for Culture.

SESSION 4 – Power Sharing

Purcell Room

This session will examine how we can open up our power structures to a broader range of voices. We will explore organisational cultures and leadership styles that challenge traditional hierarchies and share power more widely, celebrating and listening to diverse voices to promote creativity and innovation. The discussion will also consider the impact on inclusivity and diversity, both within our organisations and among musicians, audiences, and communities.

Kate Whitley, Artistic Director, Multi-Story Orchestra, will facilitate this session, with Anne Torreggiani, Chief Executive, The Audience Agency, and Euella Jackson, Co-Director, Rising Arts Agency.