Information

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, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal Opera House at the 2007 ABO Conference in Manchester by MBF Chief Executive, Rosanna Preston. 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.

Downloads

By clicking on the links below you can download PDF's of the ABO/MBF Healthy Orchestra Charter and the Application form for Bronze Awards.

Please note that the next deadline for Bronze submissions is Friday 23 October 2009. Please contact the ABO office if you have any further queries.

Silver award invitation letters can be submitted at any time.

	Healthy Orchestra Charter (inc Silver & Gold)
	Healthy Orchestra Charter Application Form (Bronze only)