Association of British Orchestras
Encyclopedia
The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) exists to support, promote and advance the interests and activities of professional orchestras in the UK . The organisation was founded in 1947 as the Orchestral Employers' Association, primarily to negotiate with the Musicians' Union (UK)
and other bodies on behalf of its membership, which consisted almost entirely at that time of those orchestras receiving annual funding from the newly established Arts Council of Great Britain
.. The past decade has seen a substantial development in the organisation in terms of its size (an increase from 35 organisations in 1989 to over 150 today) and its role has expanded to include a diverse range of activities designed to support the development of the UK's orchestral life. The ABO holds an annual conference, which will next be at the Derby Assembly Rooms from 16–18 February 2011, hosted by sinfonia ViVA
.
The ABO exists:
and other bodies on behalf of its membership, which consisted almost entirely at that time of those orchestras receiving annual funding from the newly established Arts Council of Great Britain
. In 1982 the Association took on limited company status, becoming the Association of British Orchestras. It continues to negotiate the ABO/MU Freelance Orchestral Agreement with the MU and represent its membership in discussions and negotiations with a number of other national organisations.
The past decade has seen a substantial development in the organisation in terms of its size (an increase from 35 organisations in 1989 to over 150 today) and its role, which has expanded to include a diverse range of activities designed to support the development of the UK's orchestral life. The ABO now has an extensive programme of events, from Specialist Manager Meetings and training to Seminars and the Annual Conference.
The Association of British Orchestras has developed a role as co-ordinator of various national projects, including two major sponsorship programmes involving the participation of a large number of member orchestras. A series of nationally co-ordinated education projects over the past years resulted in the Orchestras in Education programme, which existed to promote the education work of member orchestras and to develop the relationship between schools, teachers and orchestral players.
The ABO has also mounted a number of research initiatives, with a series of industry reports being produced, such as a comprehensive statistical survey of the UK's orchestral profession, 'Knowing the Score', and a report on noise damage to musicians, 'A Sound Ear' .
The ABO provides a range of services for members, including:
The ABO meets regularly during the year with representatives from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Arts Council England. It co-ordinates twice-yearly meetings of its Scottish members to ensure a dialogue with the Scottish Arts Council
, and is developing meetings of Welsh members with a view to enhancing its advocacy role in Wales
.
The ABO negotiates with the Musicians' Union (UK)
on an annual basis on issues relating to fees and allowances for freelance musicians.
The ABO brings together parliamentarians who have an interest in and wish to further the appreciation of classical music
; acts as an interface between British orchestras' on and off-stage activities, the wider classical music industry, including broadcasters and the recording industry, and key decision makers and opinion formers; and looks at the potential for establishing parliamentary classical music awards and promoting and supporting young musicians. The ABO acts as the group's secretariat.
The ABO is working with DHA Communications to raise the profile of British orchestras in the run-up to the Comprehensive Spending Review in 2010. The campaign aims to work with ABO members to get statistics to back the key campaign themes; develop an external network of advocates; ensure the impact and value of the orchestras’ work is communicated through media and targeted publications; map the developing policy agenda regarding music and arts as it relates to the campaign themes; position the ABO, and its members, as a model of excellence; and intervene in emerging policy debates to ensure the strength of the ABO’s voice is maximised.
The ABO continues to monitor the impact of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 on British orchestras and participated in the Health & Safety Executive's Music & Entertainment Sector Working Group, which developed guidance for the music and entertainment industry.
The ABO is working with its partners in Sounds, one of the 10 major projects of the Cultural Olympiad, to ensure there are opportunities for orchestras to engage in this national celebration in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The Healthy Orchestra Charter is a joint initiative by the ABO and the Musicians' Benevolent Fund
. Launched at the 2006 ABO Conference in Newcastle/Gateshead, the Charter aims to set an industry-wise standard of care and award charter marks to orchestras that are displaying good practice towards the physical, mental and emotional health of employees - both orchestral musicians and their management.
Awards for the Bronze Charter Mark have been presented to BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra
, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
, English National Opera
, London Philharmonic Orchestra
, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
, Opera North
, the Royal College of Music, the Royal Northern College of Music
and the Royal Opera House. The first Silver Charter Mark has been awarded to the Royal Opera House
.
The ABO and its members are members of PEARLE*, the European League of Performing Arts Associations, which helps the ABO keep track of legislative developments within the EU.
The ABO is working with Julie's Bicycle, a not-for-profit organization helping the music industry cut its greenhouse gas
emissions and create a low carbon creative future. Julie’s Bicycle is engaging with eight orchestras across the UK to address the key issue of orchestral touring, alongside broader sustainability issues. The working group is chaired by the London Symphony Orchestra's Kathryn McDowell and supported by Arts Council England, the British Council, and Orchestras Live.
The ABO is participating in the UK Border Agency's Arts & Entertainment Taskforce, in collaboration with the International Artists Managers Association, National Campaign for the Arts and other arts organisations, to ensure that the proposed Points Based System for migrants wishing to work in the UK on both a permanent and temporary basis will not pose a threat to the engagement of players, conductors and soloists.
and The Guardian
is the media partner.
This 2011 Conference will be held at the Derby Assembly Rooms 16–18 February 2011, hosted by Sinfonia ViVA
.
The first Bronze Charter Marks were awarded to the BBC Symphony Orchestra
, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
, Royal Northern College of Music
and the Royal Opera House
at the 2007 ABO Conference in Manchester. Bronze Charter Marks have since been awarded to English National Opera
, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra
, Opera North
, the Royal College of Music
and Manchester Camerata
.
The first Silver Charter Mark was awarded to the Royal Opera House
at the 2008 ABO Conference in Brighton
.
Details of the Silver and Gold Charter Marks were launched in autumn 2007, following a further period of consultation with members of the Healthy Orchestra Charter Steering Group, which comprises a range highly experienced health and safety professionals from both within and outside of the orchestral sector.
Previous courses have included:
In previous years, it established the ABO Information Bank and commissioned and published research into good practice in the production of concert programmes, Notes on Notes .
Musicians' Union (UK)
-About the MU:The Musicians' Union is an organisation which represents over 30,000 musicians working in all sectors of the UK music business.-Campaigns:The MU stages regular campaigns in relation to relevant musical and industrial issues...
and other bodies on behalf of its membership, which consisted almost entirely at that time of those orchestras receiving annual funding from the newly established Arts Council of Great Britain
Arts Council of Great Britain
The Arts Council of Great Britain was a non-departmental public body dedicated to the promotion of the fine arts in Great Britain. The Arts Council of Great Britain was divided in 1994 to form the Arts Council of England , the Scottish Arts Council, and the Arts Council of Wales...
.. The past decade has seen a substantial development in the organisation in terms of its size (an increase from 35 organisations in 1989 to over 150 today) and its role has expanded to include a diverse range of activities designed to support the development of the UK's orchestral life. The ABO holds an annual conference, which will next be at the Derby Assembly Rooms from 16–18 February 2011, hosted by sinfonia ViVA
Sinfonia ViVA
Sinfonia ViVA is a British orchestra based in Derby, United Kingdom, a professional orchestra in the East Midlands. Sinfonia ViVA gives concerts in a number of cities and venues, including the following:* Cleethorpes * Derby...
.
Mission
The key objectives of the Association of British Orchestras cover four main areas of activity:- Advocacy
- Communication
- Information
- Learning
The ABO exists:
- to be an advocate for the orchestral profession of the UK, ensuring that the voice of British orchestras is heard by all relevant parties.
- to provide the principal forum through which members communicate collectively with each other to facilitate shared knowledge, collaborative initiatives and problem solving.
- to provide accurate, timely and comprehensive information on issues and events that impact on the management, development and legal responsibilities of orchestras.
- to provide and enable training and continuing professional development opportunities for all levels of orchestral management.
History
The Association of British Orchestras was founded in 1947 as the Orchestral Employers' Association, primarily to negotiate with the Musicians' Union (UK)Musicians' Union (UK)
-About the MU:The Musicians' Union is an organisation which represents over 30,000 musicians working in all sectors of the UK music business.-Campaigns:The MU stages regular campaigns in relation to relevant musical and industrial issues...
and other bodies on behalf of its membership, which consisted almost entirely at that time of those orchestras receiving annual funding from the newly established Arts Council of Great Britain
Arts Council of Great Britain
The Arts Council of Great Britain was a non-departmental public body dedicated to the promotion of the fine arts in Great Britain. The Arts Council of Great Britain was divided in 1994 to form the Arts Council of England , the Scottish Arts Council, and the Arts Council of Wales...
. In 1982 the Association took on limited company status, becoming the Association of British Orchestras. It continues to negotiate the ABO/MU Freelance Orchestral Agreement with the MU and represent its membership in discussions and negotiations with a number of other national organisations.
The past decade has seen a substantial development in the organisation in terms of its size (an increase from 35 organisations in 1989 to over 150 today) and its role, which has expanded to include a diverse range of activities designed to support the development of the UK's orchestral life. The ABO now has an extensive programme of events, from Specialist Manager Meetings and training to Seminars and the Annual Conference.
The Association of British Orchestras has developed a role as co-ordinator of various national projects, including two major sponsorship programmes involving the participation of a large number of member orchestras. A series of nationally co-ordinated education projects over the past years resulted in the Orchestras in Education programme, which existed to promote the education work of member orchestras and to develop the relationship between schools, teachers and orchestral players.
The ABO has also mounted a number of research initiatives, with a series of industry reports being produced, such as a comprehensive statistical survey of the UK's orchestral profession, 'Knowing the Score', and a report on noise damage to musicians, 'A Sound Ear' .
Benefits of membership
Membership of the Association of British Orchestras is open to all those working within and to support the orchestral sector. There are four categories for membership:| FULL | Membership is open to professional orchestras and ensembles which have existed for not less than two years in the UK, and have undertaken no fewer than 24 public performances. |
| ASSOCIATE | Members include those who have not yet fulfilled the requirements of full membership, as well as conservatoires, music colleges, youth orchestras and overseas orchestras. |
| CORPORATE | Membership is available to organisations with related interests to the orchestral sector. These include concert halls, agents, promoters and composers' organisations. Membership is also open to businesses and sponsors. |
| INDIVIDUAL | Membership is by invitation only and is offered to former administrative staff of British Orchestras who have left the profession or are working abroad and who wish to remain connected to the UK orchestral scene. |
The ABO provides a range of services for members, including:
- A public affairs and communications strategy for the sector
- Memberships and links to a variety of national and international bodies
- ABO/MU Casual Concert / Freelance Orchestral Agreement
- Specialist Manager Meetings
- Professional development opportunities
- Monthly e-newsletter Update
- Briefing events and papers on current issues
- Volunteer service
- Forums to facilitate discussion
Advocacy
A primary focus of the ABO is advocacy and campaigning on behalf of its members.The ABO meets regularly during the year with representatives from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Arts Council England. It co-ordinates twice-yearly meetings of its Scottish members to ensure a dialogue with the Scottish Arts Council
Scottish Arts Council
The Scottish Arts Council is a Scottish public body that distributes funding from the Scottish Government, and is the leading national organisation for the funding, development and promotion of the arts in Scotland...
, and is developing meetings of Welsh members with a view to enhancing its advocacy role in Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
.
Current advocacy work
- ABO/MU Casual Concert/Freelance Orchestral Agreement
The ABO negotiates with the Musicians' Union (UK)
Musicians' Union (UK)
-About the MU:The Musicians' Union is an organisation which represents over 30,000 musicians working in all sectors of the UK music business.-Campaigns:The MU stages regular campaigns in relation to relevant musical and industrial issues...
on an annual basis on issues relating to fees and allowances for freelance musicians.
- All-Party Parliamentary Classical Music Group
The ABO brings together parliamentarians who have an interest in and wish to further the appreciation of classical music
Classical music
Classical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times...
; acts as an interface between British orchestras' on and off-stage activities, the wider classical music industry, including broadcasters and the recording industry, and key decision makers and opinion formers; and looks at the potential for establishing parliamentary classical music awards and promoting and supporting young musicians. The ABO acts as the group's secretariat.
- Communications campaign
The ABO is working with DHA Communications to raise the profile of British orchestras in the run-up to the Comprehensive Spending Review in 2010. The campaign aims to work with ABO members to get statistics to back the key campaign themes; develop an external network of advocates; ensure the impact and value of the orchestras’ work is communicated through media and targeted publications; map the developing policy agenda regarding music and arts as it relates to the campaign themes; position the ABO, and its members, as a model of excellence; and intervene in emerging policy debates to ensure the strength of the ABO’s voice is maximised.
- Control of Noise at Work Regulations
The ABO continues to monitor the impact of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 on British orchestras and participated in the Health & Safety Executive's Music & Entertainment Sector Working Group, which developed guidance for the music and entertainment industry.
- Cultural Olympiad
The ABO is working with its partners in Sounds, one of the 10 major projects of the Cultural Olympiad, to ensure there are opportunities for orchestras to engage in this national celebration in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.
- Healthy Orchestra Charter
The Healthy Orchestra Charter is a joint initiative by the ABO and the Musicians' Benevolent Fund
Musicians' Benevolent Fund
The Musicians' Benevolent Fund is a United Kingdom charity offering help and support to working and retired musicians, other professionals in the music industry, and their dependants....
. Launched at the 2006 ABO Conference in Newcastle/Gateshead, the Charter aims to set an industry-wise standard of care and award charter marks to orchestras that are displaying good practice towards the physical, mental and emotional health of employees - both orchestral musicians and their management.
Awards for the Bronze Charter Mark have been presented to BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra
BBC Symphony Orchestra
The BBC Symphony Orchestra is the principal broadcast orchestra of the British Broadcasting Corporation and one of the leading orchestras in Britain.-History:...
, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra is an English orchestra. Originally based in Bournemouth, the BSO moved its offices to the adjacent town of Poole in 1979....
, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is a British orchestra based in Birmingham, England. The Orchestra's current chief executive, appointed in 1999, is Stephen Maddock...
, English National Opera
English National Opera
English National Opera is an opera company based in London, resident at the London Coliseum in St. Martin's Lane. It is one of the two principal opera companies in London, along with the Royal Opera, Covent Garden...
, London Philharmonic Orchestra
London Philharmonic Orchestra
The London Philharmonic Orchestra , based in London, is one of the major orchestras of the United Kingdom, and is based in the Royal Festival Hall. In addition, the LPO is the main resident orchestra of the Glyndebourne Festival Opera...
, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is an orchestra based in Melbourne, Australia. It has 100 permanent musicians. Melbourne has the longest continuous history of orchestral music of any Australian city and the MSO is the oldest professional orchestra in Australia...
, Opera North
Opera North
Opera North is an English opera company based in Leeds. The company's home theatre is the Leeds Grand Theatre, but it also presents regular seasons in several other cities, at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham, the Lowry Centre, Salford Quays and the Theatre Royal, Newcastle...
, the Royal College of Music, the Royal Northern College of Music
Royal Northern College of Music
The Royal Northern College of Music is a music school in Manchester, England. It is located on Oxford Road in Chorlton on Medlock, at the western edge of the campus of the University of Manchester and is one of four conservatories associated with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music...
and the Royal Opera House. The first Silver Charter Mark has been awarded to the Royal Opera House
Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House is an opera house and major performing arts venue in Covent Garden, central London. The large building is often referred to as simply "Covent Garden", after a previous use of the site of the opera house's original construction in 1732. It is the home of The Royal Opera, The...
.
- Pearle
The ABO and its members are members of PEARLE*, the European League of Performing Arts Associations, which helps the ABO keep track of legislative developments within the EU.
- Sustainable touring
The ABO is working with Julie's Bicycle, a not-for-profit organization helping the music industry cut its greenhouse gas
Greenhouse gas
A greenhouse gas is a gas in an atmosphere that absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range. This process is the fundamental cause of the greenhouse effect. The primary greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone...
emissions and create a low carbon creative future. Julie’s Bicycle is engaging with eight orchestras across the UK to address the key issue of orchestral touring, alongside broader sustainability issues. The working group is chaired by the London Symphony Orchestra's Kathryn McDowell and supported by Arts Council England, the British Council, and Orchestras Live.
- Visas for visiting artists
The ABO is participating in the UK Border Agency's Arts & Entertainment Taskforce, in collaboration with the International Artists Managers Association, National Campaign for the Arts and other arts organisations, to ensure that the proposed Points Based System for migrants wishing to work in the UK on both a permanent and temporary basis will not pose a threat to the engagement of players, conductors and soloists.
Previous campaign work
- Comprehensive Spending Review 2008-2011. Following campaigning by the ABO in partnership with DJH Associates, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport announced an increase in funding for Arts Council EnglandArts Council EnglandArts Council England was formed in 1994 when the Arts Council of Great Britain was divided into three separate bodies for England, Scotland and Wales. It is a non-departmental public body of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport...
in October 2007.
- Class 1 National Insurance Contributions on the fees of freelance musicians. This engendered considerable national TV, radio and press coverage, significant attention in the House of Commons and frequent meetings with Arts Council EnglandArts Council EnglandArts Council England was formed in 1994 when the Arts Council of Great Britain was divided into three separate bodies for England, Scotland and Wales. It is a non-departmental public body of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport...
, Musicians' Union (UK)Musicians' Union (UK)-About the MU:The Musicians' Union is an organisation which represents over 30,000 musicians working in all sectors of the UK music business.-Campaigns:The MU stages regular campaigns in relation to relevant musical and industrial issues...
and HM Revenue and Customs.
- The ban on instruments as hand luggage on planes was lifted in September 2006 after many discussions with the Department of Transport.
Annual Conference
The ABO's primary event each year is its annual conference, the major gathering of the classical music industry in the UK, with over 350 delegates drawn from orchestras both from within the UK and abroad, plus funding agencies, venues, agents, publishers and suppliers. The main sponsor is Classic FMClassic FM (UK)
Classic FM, one of the United Kingdom's three Independent National Radio stations, broadcasts classical music in a popular and accessible style.-Overview:...
and The Guardian
The Guardian
The Guardian, formerly known as The Manchester Guardian , is a British national daily newspaper in the Berliner format...
is the media partner.
This 2011 Conference will be held at the Derby Assembly Rooms 16–18 February 2011, hosted by Sinfonia ViVA
Sinfonia ViVA
Sinfonia ViVA is a British orchestra based in Derby, United Kingdom, a professional orchestra in the East Midlands. Sinfonia ViVA gives concerts in a number of cities and venues, including the following:* Cleethorpes * Derby...
.
Specialist Managers Meetings
Specialist Manager Meetings are one of the ABO's key services. Each group of managers meets up to twice a year to discuss issues and hear from speakers. The ABO acts as a facilitator.Seminars & symposia
In addition to the Annual Conference and the range of meetings and events presented by the ABO, the Association often presents symposia and seminars taking an in-depth look at particular areas of current interest to orchestra and the classical music industry.Update
The ABO monthly Update is the principal mechanism for communicating news stories, training and networking opportunities and other items of interest to its members..Publications
Recent ABO publications include:- A Platform for Success
- Orchestras into the Future
- Beyond the Concert Hall
- Live the Experience
Healthy Orchestra
The Healthy Orchestra Charter is a joint initiative by the ABO and the Musicians Benevolent Fund (MBF). Launched at the 2006 ABO Conference in Newcastle Gateshead, the Charter has been designed to set an industry wide standard of care and awards Charter Marks to orchestras that are displaying good practice towards the physical, mental and emotional health of employees - both orchestral musicians and their management. Over 60% of delegate orchestras at the 2006 ABO Conference signed up to the Charter, demonstrating the level of commitment to employees' health that already exists within the sector.The first Bronze Charter Marks were awarded to the BBC Symphony Orchestra
BBC Symphony Orchestra
The BBC Symphony Orchestra is the principal broadcast orchestra of the British Broadcasting Corporation and one of the leading orchestras in Britain.-History:...
, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra is an English orchestra. Originally based in Bournemouth, the BSO moved its offices to the adjacent town of Poole in 1979....
, Royal Northern College of Music
Royal Northern College of Music
The Royal Northern College of Music is a music school in Manchester, England. It is located on Oxford Road in Chorlton on Medlock, at the western edge of the campus of the University of Manchester and is one of four conservatories associated with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music...
and the Royal Opera House
Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House is an opera house and major performing arts venue in Covent Garden, central London. The large building is often referred to as simply "Covent Garden", after a previous use of the site of the opera house's original construction in 1732. It is the home of The Royal Opera, The...
at the 2007 ABO Conference in Manchester. Bronze Charter Marks have since been awarded to English National Opera
English National Opera
English National Opera is an opera company based in London, resident at the London Coliseum in St. Martin's Lane. It is one of the two principal opera companies in London, along with the Royal Opera, Covent Garden...
, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is an orchestra based in Melbourne, Australia. It has 100 permanent musicians. Melbourne has the longest continuous history of orchestral music of any Australian city and the MSO is the oldest professional orchestra in Australia...
, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is a British orchestra based in Birmingham, England. The Orchestra's current chief executive, appointed in 1999, is Stephen Maddock...
, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra
London Philharmonic Orchestra
The London Philharmonic Orchestra , based in London, is one of the major orchestras of the United Kingdom, and is based in the Royal Festival Hall. In addition, the LPO is the main resident orchestra of the Glyndebourne Festival Opera...
, Opera North
Opera North
Opera North is an English opera company based in Leeds. The company's home theatre is the Leeds Grand Theatre, but it also presents regular seasons in several other cities, at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham, the Lowry Centre, Salford Quays and the Theatre Royal, Newcastle...
, the Royal College of Music
Royal College of Music
The Royal College of Music is a conservatoire founded by Royal Charter in 1882, located in South Kensington, London, England.-Background:The first director was Sir George Grove and he was followed by Sir Hubert Parry...
and Manchester Camerata
Manchester Camerata
The Manchester Camerata is a British chamber orchestra based in Manchester, England. The orchestra was founded in the 1971–1972 season. A sub-group from the orchestra, the Manchester Camerata Ensemble, specialises in chamber music performances....
.
The first Silver Charter Mark was awarded to the Royal Opera House
Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House is an opera house and major performing arts venue in Covent Garden, central London. The large building is often referred to as simply "Covent Garden", after a previous use of the site of the opera house's original construction in 1732. It is the home of The Royal Opera, The...
at the 2008 ABO Conference in Brighton
Brighton
Brighton is the major part of the city of Brighton and Hove in East Sussex, England on the south coast of Great Britain...
.
Details of the Silver and Gold Charter Marks were launched in autumn 2007, following a further period of consultation with members of the Healthy Orchestra Charter Steering Group, which comprises a range highly experienced health and safety professionals from both within and outside of the orchestral sector.
Brass Tacks
Brass Tacks are the Association of British Orchestra's annual series of one day management courses for those working in the arts sector. These are led by experienced professionals who focus their course on the arts and orchestral sector.Previous courses have included:
- All that you every wanted to know about fundraising, but were afraid to ask!
- Essential IT
- Finance for Non-Finance Manager
- Introduction to Marketing
- Negotiating Skills
- Press and PR
- Make The Difference: Evaluating Education Projects
- Music And Me - dispelling the jargon behind health and safety on the platform
ABO Trust
The ABO Trust is the charitable wing of the Association of British Orchestras, and exists to support its work. Its remit includes the promotion of public musical education, research projects, research archive and fundraising.In previous years, it established the ABO Information Bank and commissioned and published research into good practice in the production of concert programmes, Notes on Notes .
Full members
Full membership of ABO is open to professional orchestras and ensembles which have existed for not less than two years in the UK, and have undertaken no fewer than 24 public performances. Subscription levels are based on the turnover of each orchestra.-
- Academy of Ancient MusicAcademy of Ancient MusicThe Academy of Ancient Music is a period-instrument orchestra based in Cambridge, England. Founded by harpsichordist Christopher Hogwood in 1973, it was named after a previous organisation of the same name of the 18th century. The musicians play on either original instruments or modern copies of...
- Academy of St Martin in the Fields
- Apollo Chamber Orchestra
- BBC Concert OrchestraBBC Concert OrchestraThe BBC Concert Orchestra is a British orchestra based in London, one of the British Broadcasting Corporation's five radio orchestras. With around fifty players, it is the only one of the five which is not a full-scale symphony orchestra....
- BBC National Orchestra of WalesBBC National Orchestra of WalesThe BBC National Orchestra of Wales is a Welsh symphony orchestra and one of the BBC's five professional orchestras. The BBC NOW is the only professional symphony orchestra organisation in Wales, occupying a dual role as both a broadcasting orchestra and national orchestra.The BBC NOW has its...
- BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
- BBC Scottish Symphony OrchestraBBC Scottish Symphony OrchestraThe BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra is a broadcasting symphony orchestra based in Glasgow, Scotland. One of five full-time orchestras maintained by the British Broadcasting Corporation , it is the oldest full-time professional orchestra in Scotland...
- BBC Symphony OrchestraBBC Symphony OrchestraThe BBC Symphony Orchestra is the principal broadcast orchestra of the British Broadcasting Corporation and one of the leading orchestras in Britain.-History:...
- Birmingham Contemporary Music GroupBirmingham Contemporary Music GroupBirmingham Contemporary Music Group is a chamber orchestra based in Birmingham, England. BCMG specialises in the performance of new and contemporary music. BCMG performs regularly at the CBSO Centre and Symphony Hall in Birmingham...
- Birmingham Royal BalletBirmingham Royal BalletBirmingham Royal Ballet is one of the three major ballet companies of the United Kingdom, alongside the Royal Ballet and the English National Ballet....
- Bournemouth Symphony OrchestraBournemouth Symphony OrchestraThe Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra is an English orchestra. Originally based in Bournemouth, the BSO moved its offices to the adjacent town of Poole in 1979....
- Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra
- Britten SinfoniaBritten SinfoniaBritten Sinfonia is a chamber orchestra ensemble based in Cambridge, UK. It was created in 1992, following an initiative from Eastern Arts and a number of key figures including Nicholas Cleobury, who recognised the need for an orchestra in the East of England. It is a flexible ensemble composed of...
- City of Birmingham Symphony OrchestraCity of Birmingham Symphony OrchestraThe City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is a British orchestra based in Birmingham, England. The Orchestra's current chief executive, appointed in 1999, is Stephen Maddock...
- City of London SinfoniaCity of London SinfoniaThe City of London Sinfonia is an English chamber orchestra based in London. In London, the CLS performs regularly at Cadogan Hall and St Paul's Cathedral. It is also the resident orchestra at Opera Holland Park. The CLS has annual residencies in four towns in Southern England: Ipswich, King's...
- English Baroque Soloists
- English Classical Players
- English National BalletEnglish National BalletEnglish National Ballet is a classical ballet company founded by Dame Alicia Markova and Sir Anton Dolin and based at Markova House in South Kensington, London, England. Along with the Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Scottish Ballet, it is one of the four major ballet companies in Great...
- English National OperaEnglish National OperaEnglish National Opera is an opera company based in London, resident at the London Coliseum in St. Martin's Lane. It is one of the two principal opera companies in London, along with the Royal Opera, Covent Garden...
- English Sinfonia
- Ensemble Cymru
- Gabrieli Consort & Players
- GlyndebourneGlyndebourneGlyndebourne is a country house, thought to be about six hundred years old, located near Lewes in East Sussex, England. It is also the site of an opera house which, with the exception of its closing during the Second World War, for a few immediate post-war years, and in 1993 during the...
- Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra
- Hallé Orchestra
- Lancashire Sinfonietta
- London Handel Orchestra
- London Mozart PlayersLondon Mozart PlayersThe London Mozart Players is a British chamber orchestra founded in 1949. The LMP is the longest-established chamber orchestra in the United Kingdom whose performances and recordings focus largely on the core repertoire from the Classical era...
- London Philharmonic OrchestraLondon Philharmonic OrchestraThe London Philharmonic Orchestra , based in London, is one of the major orchestras of the United Kingdom, and is based in the Royal Festival Hall. In addition, the LPO is the main resident orchestra of the Glyndebourne Festival Opera...
- London Pro Arte Orchestra
- London SinfoniettaLondon SinfoniettaThe London Sinfonietta is an English chamber orchestra founded in 1968 and based in London. The ensemble specialises in contemporary music and works across a wide range of genres, performing modern classics alongside world premieres, and includes music by electronica artists as well as folk and...
- London Symphony OrchestraLondon Symphony OrchestraThe London Symphony Orchestra is a major orchestra of the United Kingdom, as well as one of the best-known orchestras in the world. Since 1982, the LSO has been based in London's Barbican Centre.-History:...
- Manchester CamerataManchester CamerataThe Manchester Camerata is a British chamber orchestra based in Manchester, England. The orchestra was founded in the 1971–1972 season. A sub-group from the orchestra, the Manchester Camerata Ensemble, specialises in chamber music performances....
- Milton Keynes City Orchestra
- Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra
- National Symphony Orchestra
- New London OrchestraNew London OrchestraThe New London Orchestra, based in London, was founded by Ronald Corp in 1988, to perform rarely heard 20th century works. The Orchestra and Corp pioneered the music of Martinů, now a familiar name with concert-goers, and have helped re-establish the popularity of ‘British Light Music' through a...
- New Queen's Hall Orchestra
- Northern Ballet TheatreNorthern Ballet TheatreNorthern Ballet, formerly Northern Ballet Theatre, is a dance company based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, with a strong repertoire in theatrical dance productions where the emphasis is on story telling as well as classical ballet...
- Northern Chamber OrchestraNorthern Chamber OrchestraThe Northern Chamber Orchestra is a chamber orchestra based in Manchester, England. Established in 1967, the orchestra gives concerts at Heritage Centre, Macclesfield, St Ann's Church, Manchester, as well as Blackburn, Skipton, Lancaster and Tatton Park, Knutsford...
- Opera NorthOpera NorthOpera North is an English opera company based in Leeds. The company's home theatre is the Leeds Grand Theatre, but it also presents regular seasons in several other cities, at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham, the Lowry Centre, Salford Quays and the Theatre Royal, Newcastle...
- Orchestra da Camera
- Orchestra of St John'sOrchestra of St John'sFor forty years, Orchestra of St John's has been one of the most distinctive Orchestras in the United Kingdom. Its ethos is underpinned by its breadth of activity which it has undertaken from concerts all over the UK and abroad to its community projects – even recording award-winning rock...
- Orchestra of the Age of EnlightenmentOrchestra of the Age of EnlightenmentThe Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment is a British period instrument orchestra. The OAE is a resident orchestra of the Southbank Centre, London, associate orchestra at Glyndebourne Festival Opera and has its headquarters at Kings Place...
- Orchestra of the Swan
- Oxford PhilomusicaOxford PhilomusicaThe Oxford Philomusica, based in Oxford, England, is an orchestra. It was launched with a concert at London's Barbican Centre in November 1998 and made its Oxford debut the following February at the Sheldonian Theatre...
- Philharmonia OrchestraPhilharmonia OrchestraThe Philharmonia Orchestra is one of the leading orchestras in Great Britain, based in London. Since 1995, it has been based in the Royal Festival Hall. In Britain it is also the resident orchestra at De Montfort Hall, Leicester and the Corn Exchange, Bedford, as well as The Anvil, Basingstoke...
- Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
- Royal Opera HouseRoyal Opera HouseThe Royal Opera House is an opera house and major performing arts venue in Covent Garden, central London. The large building is often referred to as simply "Covent Garden", after a previous use of the site of the opera house's original construction in 1732. It is the home of The Royal Opera, The...
- Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra
- Royal Philharmonic OrchestraRoyal Philharmonic OrchestraThe Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is a British orchestra based in London. It tours widely, and is sometimes referred to as "Britain's national orchestra"...
- Royal Scottish National OrchestraRoyal Scottish National OrchestraThe Royal Scottish National Orchestra is Scotland's national symphony orchestra. Based in Glasgow, the 89-member professional orchestra also regularly performs in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee, and abroad. Formed in 1891 as the Scottish Orchestra, the company has performed full-time since 1950,...
- Scottish BalletScottish BalletScottish Ballet is the national ballet company of Scotland and one of the four leading ballet companies of the United Kingdom, alongside the Royal Ballet, English National Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet...
- Scottish Chamber OrchestraScottish Chamber OrchestraThe Scottish Chamber Orchestra is Scotland's national chamber orchestra, based in Edinburgh. One of Scotland’s five National Performing Arts Companies, the SCO performs throughout Scotland, including annual tours of the Scottish Highlands and Islands and South of Scotland. The SCO appears...
- Scottish EnsembleScottish EnsembleThe Scottish Ensemble is one of Scotland's finest string ensembles, formed from some of the most highly respected string players in Europe. Playing standing in a semicircle and without a conductor, it is led from the violin by Artistic Director, Jonathan Morton.Originally formed in 1969 as the...
- Scottish OperaScottish OperaScottish Opera is the national opera company of Scotland, and one of the five national performing arts companies funded by the Scottish Government...
- Sinfonia Verdi
- sinfonia ViVA
- Southbank SinfoniaSouthbank SinfoniaSouthbank Sinfonia describes itself as "Britain's Newest Orchestra and one of the most exciting projects in music for decades."...
- The English ConcertThe English ConcertThe English Concert is a baroque orchestra playing on period instruments based in London. Founded in 1972 and directed from the harpsichord by Trevor Pinnock for 30 years, it is now directed by harpsichordist Harry Bicket...
- The Sage Gateshead
- The SixteenThe SixteenThe Sixteen are a choir and period instrument orchestra; founded by Harry Christophers in 1979.The group's special reputation for performing early English polyphony, masterpieces of the Renaissance, bringing fresh insights into Baroque and early Classical music and a diversity of 20th century...
- Ulster OrchestraUlster OrchestraThe Ulster Orchestra is a symphony orchestra based in Belfast, the only full-time professional orchestra in Northern Ireland. The orchestra plays the majority of its concerts in Belfast's Ulster Hall and Waterfront Hall...
- Welsh National OperaWelsh National OperaWelsh National Opera is an opera company founded in Cardiff, Wales in 1943. The WNO tours Wales, the United Kingdom and the rest of the world extensively. Annually, it gives more than 120 performances of eight main stage operas to a combined audience of around 150,000 people...
- Welsh SinfoniaWelsh SinfoniaThe Welsh Sinfonia is a professional chamber orchestra based in Cardiff and is a full member of the Association of British Orchestras. It employs between 15 and 35 musicians, led by Robin Stowell...
- Academy of Ancient Music
Associate members
Associate members include those who have not yet fulfilled the requirements of full membership, as well as conservatoires, music colleges, youth orchestras and overseas orchestras.-
- Aldeburgh Music
- Arts Council EnglandArts Council EnglandArts Council England was formed in 1994 when the Arts Council of Great Britain was divided into three separate bodies for England, Scotland and Wales. It is a non-departmental public body of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport...
- Arts Council England East
- Arts Council England East Midlands
- Arts Council England London
- Arts Council England North East
- Arts Council England North West
- Arts Council England South East
- Arts Council England South West
- Arts Council England West Midlands
- Arts Council England Yorkshire
- Birmingham Conservatoire
- Chamber Orchestra of EuropeChamber Orchestra of EuropeThe Chamber Orchestra of Europe , established in 1981, is administratively based in London. The orchestra comprises about 60 members coming from across Europe. The players pursue parallel careers as international soloists, members of eminent chamber groups, and as tutors and professors of music...
- European Union Baroque OrchestraEuropean Union Baroque OrchestraThe European Union Baroque Orchestra is a training initiative of the European Union which allows young performers of baroque music from all over the EU to gain orchestral experience as part of their career development from conservatoire study into a professional career...
- European Union Youth OrchestraEuropean Union Youth OrchestraThe European Union Youth Orchestra is a training orchestra for young people in the European Union. It is funded centrally by the European Union and by a number of EU member states...
- Guildhall School of Music & Drama
- Irish Chamber OrchestraIrish Chamber OrchestraThe Irish Chamber Orchestra is a Irish classical music ensemble, administratively based at the University of Limerick. The ICO primarily gives concerts at the University Concert Hall, Limerick and at the RDS Concert Hall, Dublin...
- Making Music
- Melbourne Symphony OrchestraMelbourne Symphony OrchestraThe Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is an orchestra based in Melbourne, Australia. It has 100 permanent musicians. Melbourne has the longest continuous history of orchestral music of any Australian city and the MSO is the oldest professional orchestra in Australia...
- National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain
- National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain
- National Youth Orchestras of Scotland
- Royal Academy of MusicRoyal Academy of MusicThe Royal Academy of Music in London, England, is a conservatoire, Britain's oldest degree-granting music school and a constituent college of the University of London since 1999. The Academy was founded by Lord Burghersh in 1822 with the help and ideas of the French harpist and composer Nicolas...
- Royal College of MusicRoyal College of MusicThe Royal College of Music is a conservatoire founded by Royal Charter in 1882, located in South Kensington, London, England.-Background:The first director was Sir George Grove and he was followed by Sir Hubert Parry...
- Royal Northern College of MusicRoyal Northern College of MusicThe Royal Northern College of Music is a music school in Manchester, England. It is located on Oxford Road in Chorlton on Medlock, at the western edge of the campus of the University of Manchester and is one of four conservatories associated with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music...
- Royal Scottish Academy of Music and DramaRoyal Scottish Academy of Music and DramaThe Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is a conservatoire of music, drama, and dance in the centre of Glasgow, Scotland. Founded in 1845 as the Glasgow Educational Association, it is the busiest performing arts venue in Scotland...
- Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
- RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra
- Sinfonia Cymru
- Trinity LabanTrinity LabanTrinity Laban is the UK's only conservatoire of Music and Dance. The Higher Education Institute was formed in 2005 when leading centres of music and dance Trinity College of Music and Laban came together...
Affiliate members
Affiliate membership is for those organisations involved with the presentation, support and commissioning of the work of the Association's members-
- Arts Council EnglandArts Council EnglandArts Council England was formed in 1994 when the Arts Council of Great Britain was divided into three separate bodies for England, Scotland and Wales. It is a non-departmental public body of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport...
- Arts Council England East
- Arts Council England East Midlands
- Arts Council England London
- Arts Council England North East
- Arts Council England North West
- Arts Council England South East
- Arts Council England South West
- Arts Council England West Midlands
- Arts Council England Yorkshire
- Associated Board of the Royal Schools of MusicAssociated Board of the Royal Schools of MusicABRSM is an internationally recognised educational body and charity that provides examinations in music The organisation, based in London, UK, runs exams in centres all over the world...
- Barbican CentreBarbican CentreThe Barbican Centre is the largest performing arts centre in Europe. Located in the City of London, England, the Centre hosts classical and contemporary music concerts, theatre performances, film screenings and art exhibitions. It also houses a library, three restaurants, and a conservatory...
- BBC Proms
- BBC Radio Three
- British CouncilBritish CouncilThe British Council is a United Kingdom-based organisation specialising in international educational and cultural opportunities. It is registered as a charity both in England and Wales, and in Scotland...
- Cadogan HallCadogan HallCadogan Hall is a 900-seat capacity concert hall on Sloane Terrace in Chelsea / Belgravia in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London, United Kingdom...
- Cheltenham Music FestivalCheltenham Music FestivalThe Cheltenham Music Festival is one of the oldest music festivals in Britain, held annually in Cheltenham in June/July since 1945. The festival is renowned for premieres of contemporary music, hosting over 250 music premieres as of July 2004....
- Classic FMClassic FM (UK)Classic FM, one of the United Kingdom's three Independent National Radio stations, broadcasts classical music in a popular and accessible style.-Overview:...
- Horsecross Arts Ltd.
- Incorporated Society of MusiciansIncorporated Society of MusiciansIncorporated Society of Musicians is the UK's professional body for musicians. It champions the importance of music and protects the rights of those working within music through a range of services, campaigns, support and practical advice...
- Musicians' Benevolent FundMusicians' Benevolent FundThe Musicians' Benevolent Fund is a United Kingdom charity offering help and support to working and retired musicians, other professionals in the music industry, and their dependants....
- NAME - National Association of Music Educators
- Opera & Music Theatre Forum
- Orchestras Live
- Royal Albert HallRoyal Albert HallThe Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall situated on the northern edge of the South Kensington area, in the City of Westminster, London, England, best known for holding the annual summer Proms concerts since 1941....
- Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
- Royal Over-Seas LeagueRoyal Over-Seas LeagueThe Royal Over-Seas League is a non-profit members’ organisation with international headquarters based in its clubhouse in central London, England...
- Sound and Music
- Southbank Centre
- THAMES
- Three Choirs Festival
- Town Hall & Symphony Hall Birmingham
- Trinity Guildhall
- Wigmore Hall
- Arts Council England
Corporate members
Corporate membership is available to organisations with related interests to the orchestral sector and who share the ABO's aims and objectives, who wish to be kept up-to-date on current affairs and topics of mutual interest. These include concert halls, agents, promoters and composers and organisations. Membership is also open to businesses and sponsors.-
- Amadeus Performance Equipment
- Artifax Software Limited
- Arts and Business London
- Arts Marketing Association
- Askonas Holt
- Black Cat Music
- British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and AuthorsBritish Academy of Songwriters, Composers and AuthorsBritish Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors was founded in 1947.It represents its members within the industry, to the government and to the European Commission....
- China Symphony Development Foundation
- HarrisonParrott
- IMG ArtistsIMG ArtistsIMG Artists LLC is a top universal performing arts management corporation that was acquired by International Management Group in 1984. Chairman and CEO of IMG, Mark McCormack, bought out Hamlen/Landau, a small, New York based artist-management music agency, founded by Charles Hamlen and Edna...
- Intermusica Artists' Management
- International Artist Managers' Association IAMA
- Jonathan Cooke Limited
- La Playa
- Latitude 45 Arts Promotions Inc.
- League of American OrchestrasLeague of American OrchestrasThe League of American Orchestras, known until Fall 2007 as the American Symphony Orchestra League , is an association of U.S. and Canadian orchestras. Over 950 orchestras are members, including youth, community, and professional orchestras....
- Morgensterns
- NAME - National Association of Music Educators
- Orchestras Australia
- Orchestras Canada / Orchestres Canada
- Rayburn Tours
- Robert Gilder & Company
- Sama Arts Network Ltd
- Schiedmayer Celesta GmbH
- Shaftesbury Plc
- Sound Sense
- Sound Space Design
- Specialised Travel Ltd
- Symphony AustraliaSymphony Australia- Symphony Services International :Formerly Symphony Services Australia Limited , Symphony Services International has been orchestrating excellence for many years....
- Ulysses Arts Ltd
Sources
- Association of British Orchestras www.abo.org.uk, 23/03/10
- Arts Council England www.arts Council, 23/03/10
- Classic FM 'Association of British Orchestras' www.classicfm.co.uk, 18/03/10
- Department for Culture, Media and Sport www.culture.gov.uk 22/03/10
- International Artists Managers' Association www.iama.com 22/03/10
- Musicians Union Website www.musiciansunion.org.uk 01/04/10
- Scottish Arts Council www.scottisharts.org.uk 01/04/10