đś Classical music has the power to unite and inspire. However you experience it, we all have #musicthatmovesyou. Share your story today! #classicalmusic
What are the opportunities and threats posed by artificial intelligence? A look back on
our ABO Conference 2026 The Orchestral Future: AI for Culture session, led by Jocelyn
Burnham, AI for Culture.
This provocative session explored creative experimentation and curiosity as
approaches to learning and looked at the application of AI within the culture sector.
Photo credit - @julianguideraphotography
Classical music faces both a challenge and an opportunity: how to remain relevant in a crowded, fast-paced online ecosystem. At this yearâs conference, Dr Sarah Price, lecturer and researcher, University of Liverpool, led the âClassical Cut Throughâ discussion exploring how classical music brands, artists, and institutions are leveraging data, storytelling, and platform-native strategies to cut through the noise.
Speakers: Maddy Shaw Roberts, Digital Managing Editor, @classicfm ; George Chambers, Head of Communications, Classical Music, @bbc ; Hannah Fiddy, Founder, @alterclassical ; and Katy Rogers-Davies, @londonsymphonyorchestra Live Senior Marketing and Partnerships ManagerÂ
Photo credit - @julianguideraphotography
Should concerts be political? A look back on our ABO Conference 2026 Politics and Polarisation session, chaired by Sarah Bardwell, Managing Director - @royalphilorchestra .
This session brought together speakers from a variety of professional backgrounds, which allowed for relevant and thought-provoking cross-sector discussion of political moments.
Speakers: Rachel van Walsum, Executive Chair, @maestroarts ; Jessica Duchen, classical music critic, author and librettist; Simon Webb, @bbc Head of Orchestras and Choirs; and Katy Hamilton, writer, lecturer and broadcaster.
Photo credit - @julianguideraphotography
Thank you Dame Caroline Dinenage MP DBE @caroline4gosport for inviting the ABO to give evidence on EU Touring to MPs on the Culture Select Committee on the 3rd of February, alongside the @wearethemu and @katenash .
We were delighted to mark the eve of the 2026 ABO Annual Conference with a reception at No. 11 Downing Street, bringing live orchestral music into the heart of Government â with thanks to @ukhmtreasury and Rt Hon @rachelreevesmp .
#abo2026
A look back on the first night of the ABO Conference 2026, where we presented the 2026 ABO Awards.
We were delighted to present Dame Kathryn McDowell DBE, DL, Managing Director of the @londonsymphonyorchestra with the prestigious ABO Award!
The recipients of the ABO Impact Awards were also announced:
@rsnoofficial - Award for Innovation
@orchestrasforall - Award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
@nationalyouthfolk - Award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
@liverpool_philharmonic - Award for Learning and Development
Deborah Annetts,âŻChief Executive of the @ism_music - Award for Learning and Development
Many thanks to @ritulashah from @classicfm for presenting the awards. Congratulation to all!
Photo credit: Julian Guidera @julianguideraphotography
Visit the link in our bio to read more.
#abo2026
New research shows that three quarters of Gen Z & Millennials support access to classical music via UK orchestras | @aborchestras #AnOrchestraInEverySchool campaign is a national call to ensure access to high-quality music education and creative subjects for all children and young people | Go to link in bio to see the latest stats
Bookings are open for the 2026 ABO Annual Conference at the Southbank Centre in London, 4 â 6 February 2026 â donât miss the leading annual gathering of the classical music sector | Early booking rates available until 16 December | Bookings close 19 January 2026 | Booking link in bio
Weâre hiring! Weâre looking for a Conference Assistant to support the ABO Annual Conference - one of the biggest annual events in the orchestral sector! Apply by 6 November (link in bio - .uk/jobs/abo-2026-conference-assistant)
Music is more than an artâitâs a training ground for skills that shape careers and lives. Weâre proud to call for nationwide access to music education ahead of the Curriculum & Assessment Review. To read more, please click the link in our bio
#AnOrchestraInEverySchool
Credit: L-R Scottish Chamber Orchestra c. Stuart Armitt; Ulster Orchestra c. Ulster Orchestra
Every child deserves access to music â even when schoolâs out. âď¸
Thatâs the goal of a new UK-wide initiative ensuring young people can experience live music throughout the summer holidays.
The programme is part of the Association of British Orchestrasâ #AnOrchestraInEverySchool campaign, which champions high-quality music education and creative opportunities for all children and young people. Now, the ABO is extending this commitment beyond the classroom.
Organised in partnership with teachers and music education providers, the programme will feature over a thousand events, such as interactive performances, workshops, and residential courses. These are designed to be accessible regardless of a childâs school resources, ability, or additional needs.
The summer programme is expected to reach more than one million participants. A full list of activities is available on the @aborchestras website.
