Association of British Orchestras

The ABO represents the collective interests of professional orchestras, youth ensembles and the wider classical music industry throughout the UK.

An Orchestra In Every School Members area Events

Connecting

The ABO connects member to member and the wider industry through networking opportunities, keeping them well-informed and up-to-date with best practice to help build resilience and financial sustainability

Championing

The ABO champions British orchestras and the wider membership, raising their profile and influence with key stakeholders and the British public, through political engagement, media, social networks and stakeholder bulletins.

Developing

The ABO helps develop the skills and knowledge of its members’ staff, including providing and signposting to high quality professional development opportunities for all tiers of management and musicians.

News and press

ABO contributes to UK–EU cultural exchange discussions in Brussels and Westminster

The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) has played an active role in a significant week of advocacy for the UK’s orchestral and wider music sector, contributing to high-level discussions on cultural exchange and international touring both in Brussels and in Whitehall.

Dame Kathryn McDowell DBE, DL, Managing Director of the London Symphony Orchestra, Honoured at the Association of British Orchestras Awards 2026

Announced at a live event at the Southbank Centre in London, on the evening of Wednesday 4 February, the award ceremony also revealed the winners of the 2026 ABO Impact Awards, which celebrated the work of Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Orchestras for All, National Youth Folk Ensemble, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s In Harmony programme and Deborah Annetts, Chief Executive of the Independent Society of Musicians.

ABO Welcomes Key Recommendations in Hodge Review of Arts Council England

The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) today welcomes the publication of the Hodge Review of Arts Council England and the opportunity it provides to strengthen the frameworks that support a vibrant, resilient and inclusive orchestral sector.

View all news