ABO News Summer 2023

Welcome to the latest ABO News, showcasing the impactful and innovative work of ABO member orchestras across the country, on and off the stage.

Windrush 75

Southbank Sinfonia held a Windrush Photography Exhibition ’Windrush: Portrait of a Generation’ at St John Smith Square to mark the 75th Anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush.

Chineke! Foundation were joined by Craig David and Beverley Knight for a night of celebration to mark 75 years since Windrush. The concert captured the breadth of musical influence that the Windrush generation has had on British Culture over the last 75 years. You can read more on the Windrush 75 Celebration here.

Orchestral Pride

Barbican celebrated ‘Classical Pride’ on 7 July, with conductor Oliver Zeffman and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Partnered with ViiV Healthcare and Gay Times, they celebrated the profound contribution the LGBTQ+ community makes to classical music. You can and read more about the first ever classical pride on Gay Times here.

Wigmore Hall celebrated pride with their event ‘Love, Loss and the whole damn thing: A celebration of queer composers’. This concert was performed by The Fourth Choir, and conducted by Nicholas Chalmers. You can read more about the event here.

Oliver Zeffman, conductor of the ‘Classical Pride’ event wrote for Classical Music Magazine ‘Classical Music is part of the LGBTQ+ culture’. Read the rest of the article here.

Read Classical FM’s article on Great LGBTQ+ Conductors you should know here.

Trevor Nelson (pictured above) at the Royal Albert Hall for the Windrush 75 Celebration.

Classical Pride at The Barbican Credit: The Barbican

Youth, Education & Development

Royal Northern Scottish Orchestra have been recruiting for their Young Creatives programme, a work experience and leadership programme for 14 to 21 year olds living in Scotland. As part of the programme, the young creatives come together and plan to perform a concert with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Find out more here.

London Sinfonietta held online CPD sessions for teachers in May, offering practical resources and workshop style tasks to use in the classroom.

London Mozart Players has been delivering music education work in Croydon, to young people who might not have had the experience to play an instrument. Through the Equal Play scheme, they are offering a series of education and participation activities that will give more young people the opportunity to access the wide ranging benefits of music education.

Sound Connections have developed some excellent Youth Voice and Participation resources, including training and networking sessions. Check them out here.

Over the spring months, English Touring Opera children tour performed at zoos, schools, theatres and libraries, with their new learning and participation operas, Zoo! and the Wish Gatherer. Find out more about their future work with young people here.

In May, Southbank Sinfonia players joined Tollgate Primary School in concert celebrating the next generation of talented musicians.

London Sinfonietta held a week-long residential at St Ignatius College in Enfield, offering classical workshops, collaborative projects and open rehearsals, leading to their concert ‘Fireworks’ at the Southbank Centre.

The Mozartists partnered with Ealing Music Service this spring, delivering a total of 86 workshops, reaching over 750 children in local schools.

Manchester Collective performed Britten's Community Opera, Noah's Flood this July. Bringing in an army of performers from communities in Holbeck and Manchester, the collective represent Britten's vision of creating parts for as many performers as possible.

Applications for the Creative Music Making scheme at Trinity Laban close on 10 September. The course offers adults with a passion for music the opportunity to develop their practical music making and performance skills. Find out more here.

National Childrens Orchestras of Great Britian have been auditioning for new 8-13 year olds to join the Orchestra, find out more on NCOGB projects here.

The Birmingham Contemporary Music Group held a composing workshop in July for young people aged 14-18 at the CBSO centre, led by David Horne.

Britten Sinfonia are hosting a family concert ‘ Izzy Gizmo’ for children aged 3-7 this August, giving children a great introduction to live music and lots of opportunities to join in.

Chineke! Foundation Young Musicians .

Diverse & Inclusive

Orchestras

The Paraorchestra and Friends, introduced a new composing course this spring, which is free for Paraorchestra members who identify as disabled. The course focuses on different areas of composition and arrangement, and is open for classical, jazz and electronic genres.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestras launched a brand new and expanded series of relaxed performances, with concerts in Brent, Reading, Scunthorpe and Sunderland. Discover more about Resound here.

Orchestras for All’s 2023 Modulo programme wrapped up in June, offering music leadership training to those working with 11-18 year olds. You can hear how the students found the Modulo Orchestra here.

Chineke! Foundation is inviting young musicians to take part in a free residential orchestral development course, in particular from Black and/or global majority backgrounds. More information and sign up here

Paraorchestras and Friends: Young Carers Course

Sustainable Orchestras

Chineke! Foundation performed a live concert for Earth Day 2023 on BBC Radio3. It aimed to showcase how through music, we can celebrate the natural world around us, and reminded us of the need to protect our planet. Find out more here.

The Hallé welcomed Key Stage 1 Children across Greater Manchester to an animal themed concert, exploring how we can protect animals and wildlife. Find out more here.

The Scottish Classical Sustainability Group (SCSG) collated a report on Classical Music and Train Travel in Scotland. Collated using learning from the 30+ members of the SCSG, the report highlights five key barriers currently preventing greater use of train travel by Scotland’s classical music sector: 1) timetables, 2) ticket costs, 3) travel with large instruments, 4) international connections, and 5) accessibility. Read the report here.

Birmingham Contemporary Music Group have created a video In Bloom 2023 celebrates music, environmental sustainability, and the beauty of nature. Watch it here.

Max Richter with violinist Elena Urioste (centre) and the string section of Chineke! orchestra : Credit Tricia Yourkevich/BBC

Members in Collaboration

Southbank Sinfonia performed with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, works by two of the greatest classical composers, Mozart and Haydn this June.

Royal Northern College of Music welcomed 83 young people from the Orchestras for All Modulo Course for a day of group music-making.

The Royal Scottish National Opera are performing alongside the National Youth Choirs of Scotland Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb and Duruflé's Requiem to soothe, intrigue and inspire.

Manchester Camerata partnered with OperaUpClose to perform a brand new interpretation of Wagner's The Flying Dutchman. Find our more here.

In May, Southbank Sinfonia and Orchestra of the Age of Enlightment performed an evening of captivating Baroque Cabaret. The Music included that of Montiverdi, Bach and Telemann.

The London Contemporary Orchestra are joining Folk Trio Anaïs Mitchell, Eric D. Johnson and Josh Kaufman Bonny Lightman Horseman this September at the Barbican, find out more here.

Manchester Classical - was a collaboration between the major Manchester ensembles and Royal Northern College of Music at Bridgewater Hall, celebrating Manchester's musical heritage.

Community & Healthcare

Liverpool Philharmonic have launched a partnership with Mersyside-based NHS trust, the Walton Centre.

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra performed a CUPPA CONCERT, this June. Offering those living with dementia, and their carers the opportunity to experience music in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

RNCM’ and Orchestra’s for All Modulo Course

Southbank Sinfonia hosted a ‘Musical Zoo Family Workshop’ for those aged 5-11 years, a unique musical experience– visiting the musical zoo.

Scottish Chamber Orchestra have partnered with Alzheimers Scotland and the Scottish Dementia Working Group to develop a Dementia-friendly concert. These concerts are designed especially for people living with dementia and their companions, offering flexibility and freedom to relax during the performance.

The Hallé collaborated with Lime Arts, delivering creative projects in healthcare and community settings. Two Halle musicians have begun their two month residency at Wythenshawe Hospital. Find out more here.

The Hallé Hospital Community Projects

Liverpool Philharmonic at The Walton Centre

Orchestras on Stage

The Southbank Sinfonia will be performing the works of Mendelssohn at the iconic Snape Maltings Concert Hall on 1 August, 7.30pm.

Liverpool Philharmonic are going to be joined by a team of star West End vocalists to celebrate music of the Bee Gees on 22 July.

Royal Scottish National Opera celebrated the magical music of Harry Potter, through a series of concerts at the end of June.

In the Autumn of 2024, Phihamonia Orchestra perform Let Freedom Ring: Celebrating the Sounds of America. This concert celebrated The American composers who have shaped their country's identity.

Sinfona VIVA performed Beethoven's Symphony No.3 Eroica this July. Conducted by Delyana Lazarova, the orchestra celebrated one of Beethoven's most loved works.

Philharmonia Orchestra’s Let Freedom Ring concert

Orchestras making change

Bath Philharmonia have continued supporting hundreds of young carers (under 18) to play, create and perform their own original music this year. Bath Philharmonia have estimated one young carer in every classroom in the UK, so their work is crucial to providing these young people with musical opportunities. Find out more here.

Scottish Chamber Orchestra are offering free tickets to school teachers and instrumental tutors who wish to bring a group of young people to upcoming concerts. To find out more, click here.

The Irish Association of Youth Orchestras are inviting attending members to bring a youth representative from their orchestra to this IAYO year's AGM. Find out more here.

Orchestral Festival Season

Glynebourne Opera Festival: Don Giavanni (Mozart) Mariame Clément directs Glyndebourne’s first new Don Giovanni in over a decade. Rising-star conductor Evan Rogister makes his Festival debut.

Bath Philharmonia

The London Handel Festival hosted a summer soiree in June, celebrating some of the most influential Handel pieces.

London Symphony Orchestra hosted their annual open air concert in June, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle. The programme included music from Stravinsky, Debussy, Ravel and John Adams.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are having a summer filled with live performance, starting the summer off by performing at The Grange Festival and later in the summer performing at the BBC Proms and BBC Proms In the park.

Manchester Camarata are taking part in the famous Enescu Festival in September 2023, conducted by Gábor Takács-Nagy . Book here.

Arcangelo are at the Santander Festival this August, to continue their award winning partnership with Nicholas Altstaedt. The programme consists of a selection of Bach, Haydn and Boccherini.

Academy of Ancient Music are performing the final concert of the VOCES8 International Festival in Dorset, conducted by Barnaby Smith. You can book tickets here.

Orchestras On Tour

Scottish Chamber Orchestra have been touring this summer, finishing the tour in London on 29 July. Click here to book.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s open air concert

Arcangelo will appear at leading venues across South America this August in a seven city tour of Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Peru and Colombia with soloist Avi Avital. Find out more here.

Aurora Orchestra are touring Europe this August performing Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring from Memory. The Orchestra will finish the tour on 2 September, at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. They will be joined by Charlotte Ritchie and Karl Queensborough

Chineke! Foundation toured South America this spring. Conducted by Andrew Grams, the orchestra performed a selection of exciting and diverse pieces, closing with Florence B. Prices lively and groundbreaking Symphony No.1, infused with allusions to Americana.

Orchestral Anniversaries

Academy of St Martin In the Fields celebrate 100 years since the birth of its founder, Sir Neville Marriner. Keep an eye peeled for celebratory performances and commissions over the next year 2023-24.

The Hallé are celebrating 20 years of the Halle Recording label this summer, and you can stream some of their favourite tracks here.

London Sinfonietta celebrates their 55th Birthday during the 2023/2024 season. To celebrate, they will perform a selection of eclectic, provocative, surprising and beautiful music that they have commissioned and performed throughout their lifetime. This exciting concert is at the Southbank Centres Purcell Room on 24 January 2024.

Charlotte Ritchie and Karl Queensborough performing The Rite of Spring with Aurora Orchestra

Orchestral Appointments

YCAT have appointed six new rising stars to its roster, who will be making there debut performances in some of the worlds most prestigious venues. Find out more information about the musicians here.

Gabrieli Consort and Players has appointed Ben Gould as the new Orchestra and Tours Manager, and Nicolette Shaw as their new Development Director. Meet the team here.

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra welcomed Bethan Allmand as a new addition to the first violin section in May.

Hallé have announced Kahchun Wong as their new Principal Conductor from summer 2024.

City of London Sinfonia welcomed their new CEO, Rowan Rutter in April. You can read more about the new position here.

Digital Orchestras

Scottish Ensemble has developed a new and exciting ‘summer playlist’, with associations of summers past and yet to come. Listen here.

London Philharmonic Orchestra captured live Don Quixote Rides Again, which can be screened on their website.

Royal Northern Scottish Opera released a dementia– friendly concert as part of their digital care packages. The concert is available to anyone living with dementia, the NHS, health care homes and hospices.

YCAT’s new musicians

News from the ABO

Sector resilience and growth - In working to build future sector resilience, the ABO continues to call for the permanent extension of the uplifted 50% Orchestra Tax Relief rate - a low cost, high impact measure which is the most critical and effective measure which can enable UK orchestras to generate activity and return for the UK.

Removing barriers to international touring - ABO's evidence was included as part of a report published by the House of Lords European Affairs Committee on 'The future UK-EU relationship' which highlights the continued challenges facing our sector and solutions the ABO are calling for in relation to the movement of people, trucks and customs arrangements. ABO members’ EU touring experiences were recently featured in the Sunday Times and on BBC Radio 4.

UK Visa Fee Waiver Secured for Ukrainian Orchestras - The ABO worked successfully alongside IMG Artists (UK) Ltd, Askonas Holt and UK policy makers to again ensure the waiving of visa fees and expediting of visa applications for the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine touring to the UK this year.

Cultural Soft Power -The ABO sat on the UK Soft Power Group - a group of the UK’s leading soft power organisations, co-convened by the British Foreign Policy Group and the British Council - and contributed to this report launched in June 2023 on the role of culture in the future of the UK's soft power.

Classical Music All Party Parliamentary Group - As Secretariat of the APPG, we convened the group's AGM, which was well attended by members of both the Houses of Commons and the Lords, discussing the sector funding landscape, international touring, music education and sector trends. Parliamentarians heard first hand from ABO members the London Symphony Orchestra and Aurora Orchestra.

24 - 26 January 2024: ABO Conference - The next ABO conference, our major annual event and gathering of the classical music sector, will take place in Bristol, hosted by Bristol Beacon.