BREAKOUT 1: Improving Impact Measurement to Attract New Cultural Funding 

We know the arts have a positive impact on society. What if we could more confidently measure and explain that impact? How could we use the information to unlock new sources of funding and make even more of a difference in the world? 

This session will explore changing approaches to impact measurement in the cultural and creative sector and explain how it underpins important new funding sources. 

We’ll discuss impact-driven philanthropy and introduce the concept of impact investment in the arts, with insights from an organisation that has received such investment. We will also consider how new culturally focused measurement tools can help organisations understand and articulate the true extent of their impact. 

The session is hosted by Figurative, an independent not-for-profit dedicated to impact, investment and innovation in the cultural and creative sector. The panel discussion will be chaired by Sir Vernon Ellis, Chair of Live Music Now, and Figurative Board member; with Nick Wilsdon, Impact Lead, Figurative; Daniel Fulvio, Deputy Director of Audiences (Community), Rambert; and Janet Fisher, Chief Executive, Live Music Now.

BREAKOUT 2: Partnership Models: Creative Opportunities and Everyday Challenges of Full-time Residency Partnerships with Schools

This session aims to inspire deeper partnerships and collaborations between arts institutions and schools. Speakers will share experiences, models, and resources to enable action amongst our colleague orchestras and ensembles.     

Conference attendees will leave with an understanding of the practicalities, financial implications, opportunities, and challenges of embedded residency partnerships with schools from a variety of perspectives: whether a concert hall at the heart of a community, an ensemble moving into a state secondary, or an orchestra opening a new state secondary with a Multi-Academy Trust.   

The session will explore what these partnerships look like, and what creative and educational opportunities they have created; the impact on students’ music education and the wider community; the challenges associated with these models;   costs and sources of funding; and how conference attendees can benefit from these models.      

Presented by Saffron Hall, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, speakers include Crispin Woodhead, Chief Executive, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment;  Anna Rimington, Director of Learning KS5 and OAE Link, Acland Burghley School; Angela Dixon, Chief Executive, Saffron Hall;  Tom Spurgin, Creative Director – Learning & Engagement, CBSO ; David Green, Principal, Shireland CBSO Academy; and a school representative from Saffron Walden County High School.  

BREAKOUT 3: Optimising Live Music: The Operational Edge of AI

Like any other technology, Artificial Intelligence is evolving exponentially. The threat of AI already exists and, while we can lobby for its ethical use, how can we benefit from using AI to improve our own operational offerings? Separately, rather than living in fear of AI, how can we better advocate for performance by live musicians, whether in shared concert experiences or for studio recordings?    

This session will be led by David Taylor, Arts Entrepreneur and Consultant. 

BREAKOUT 1 Inclusive Recruitment One Year On

Over the last year, 33 orchestras have been taking part in the Inclusive Recruitment in Orchestras programme. Following the ABO Conference in Leeds in 2023, Black Lives in Music, the Musicians’ Union and the ABO came together with the sector to co-design a 10-Point-Plan to support orchestras in best practice for Inclusive Recruitment of musicians. The programme launched in May 2024. How has it been? What have they learnt and where do we go from here?

Roger Wilson, Director of Operations, Black Lives in Music will moderate the session, with Judith Webster, Chief Executive, Association of British Orchestras; Jo Laverty, National Organiser, Orchestras, Musicians’ Union; and representatives from participating orchestras.

BREAKOUT 2 Less Worry, More Music 

Commissioning composers from minority backgrounds has seen effective shifts in concert programming across Britain. However disabled people are still often excluded from conversations around diversity and the support that results. Similarly, efforts in creating accessible and/or relaxed performances have shown wonderfully creative ways to make the concert experience more welcoming to disabled audiences.  
 
Through looking at the ground-breaking work done by Drake Music Scotland and the Disabled Artist Network, and looking at the stellar work of Attitude is Everything, this panel discussion will show through proactive changes any organisation is capable of bold ambitious, and artistically striking work which actively includes disabled artists and can be more open disabled and non-disabled audiences alike. 

The panel will discuss what practical steps were taken to accommodate various disabled artists during the development of various projects, including the RPS award winning Call of the Mountains.   

Delegates will learn practical actions to help employ and support disabled artists, as well as considering what practical things can be done to reach out to more audiences, and ultimately come to the understanding that including disabled people is not a scary or delicate process but with the correct approach will be akin to any other high quality work they do. 

Speakers include Ben Lunn, Disabled Artist Network; Thursa Sanderson, Drake Music Scotland; Caitlin Mulgrew, Drake Music Scotland; and Paul Hawkins, Attitude is Everything. 

BREAKOUT 3 Social Prescribing – A Myth-Busting Session for Orchestras 

Join us for a dynamic session that demystifies the landscape of social prescribing and highlights powerful opportunities for orchestras to deepen their health and wellbeing work. With the recent Orchestras in Healthcare report revealing that fewer than 50% of orchestras currently engage with social prescribing programmes, this session offers practical insights into a key growth area that aligns closely with public health priorities and the shift toward person-centered care.

We’ll tackle the challenge of building a musical workforce suited to social prescribing, featuring new approaches and case studies presented by leaders from health and social care, as well as orchestras and musicians already pioneering in this field.   

Chaired by Sarah Derbyshire, Chief Executive Orchestras Live, speakers include Bev Taylor, Centre of Excellence for Music and Dementia; and Hollie Smith-Charles, Director, Creative Health and Change, Arts Council England. 

BREAKOUT 1 Working together in a Changed World 

In a world where ‘change’ is our only constant, it is vital that we work together to enable orchestras to thrive, and to champion the value of the arts, from the cradle to the grave. To do this, we must hold ourselves to account and strive for good practice across all that we do.

This year’s session with the Musicians’ Union focuses on improving standards within our industry, looking at the work of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), joint MU and ABO working groups and how best to support orchestras to modernise long established working practices.

Speakers will include Naomi Pohl, General Secretary, Musicians’ Union; Judith Webster, Chief Executive, Association of British Orchestras; and Niyi Akeju, Head of Standards Development, Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority.

BREAKOUT 2 Evolving Horizons: The Next Decade of Inclusivity in Classical Music 

As we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Chineke! Orchestra and the Chineke! Junior Orchestra, this panel discussion aims to evaluate the progress made within the sector over the past decade and to outline our collective goals for the future. We will present recent research findings and insights from across the sector. 

The discussion will also address how the classical music canon might evolve to better reflect a diverse array of voices and what steps we need to take to be genuinely receptive to these changes. Furthermore, we will explore strategies to level the playing field for upcoming generations of musicians, including players, composers, conductors, and administrators.   

Chaired by Linton Stephens, BBC Radio 3 presenter, bassoonist and founding Chineke! Member,  speakers include Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE, Founder and Artistic Director of Chineke!; Errolyn Wallen CBE, renowned composer and Master of the King’s Music; Sacha Johnson, Principal Percussionist and founding Chineke! Member; Betania Johnny, founding Chineke! Junior Orchestra member and Chineke! Violinist.