Orchestral Work

Whether you work as a full time or freelance orchestral musician, the MU is here to help. We have a dedicated team, as well as elected MU Orchestral Stewards and dedicated MU Orchestra Section Committees for employed and freelance orchestra members.

Advice, agreements and rates

Collective Agreements with Orchestras

Our agreements cover the salaries, rates of pay, and terms and conditions for employed and freelance orchestral musicians.

Orchestras under ABO agreement

Rates and terms and conditions agreed with the Association of British Orchestras.

MU Promulgated Rates

We set our own rates for musicians working at orchestral concerts, opera and ballet.

Orchestral Touring Abroad

Orchestral Players Living with Covid-19

Health and safety and risk assessment guidance for orchestral players living with Covid-19

ABO

Orchestral Working Outdoors

Practical aspects and health and safety considerations when working outside, or at a large venue concert

Fair and Inclusive Orchestral Auditions

Member representation

MU Orchestra Stewards

The work of the Orchestra Stewards and the Roving Stewards is vital in representing you to your employer and is a prime example of a union run by members for its members.

Join the Freelance Orchestral Committee

If you are a freelance orchestral player wanting to take a more hands-on approach to the way your pay and terms are negotiated, join the FOC.

Get involved

Join the Orchestra Section

As an orchestral musician you know that for any problems or injuries, the MU is there to give you a helping hand or advice.
Maxine Kwok-AdamsFirst violin with the LSO

Latest news and features

Members of the WNO orchestra standing outside the Bristol Hippodrome with leaflets from a demo on 27 April 2024.

Protect Welsh National Opera: Sign the Petition Now

Musicians at Welsh National Opera orchestra are campaigning to keep the orchestra full time and secure the company’s future.

Published: 02 May 2024

A violinist playing as part of a live orchestra performance.

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Landmark Agreement to Diversify UK Orchestras

The MU has partnered with Black Lives in Music (BLiM) and the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) to launch the 10 Point Orchestral Plan. The plan will enhance opportunities for all orchestral musicians across the UK, driving change for more inclusive recruitment.

Published: 30 April 2024

Electric keyboard and microphone in foreground, with small choir group out of focus in the background.

MU Joins Calls for ‘Voice’ to be Eligible Instrument Under Orchestra Tax Relief to Enable Choirs to Benefit

Major music sector organisations, networks and individuals are calling for ‘voice’ to be added to the eligible instruments, so that choirs can claim Orchestra Tax Relief.

Published: 24 April 2024

Exterior of the Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff, where the Welsh National Opera is based.

MU Responds to Welsh National Opera Cuts

Musicians' Union members in the orchestra of Welsh National Opera (WNO) are facing a reduction in working weeks, equating to a 15% pay cut as a result of a funding shortfall for the company.

Published: 28 March 2024

Magnifying glass over a light bulb icon on a wooden block, with yellow background.

MU Experts Delve into Labour’s New ‘Access to Arts’ Plan

In this special feature, some of the key departments at the Musicians’ Union respond to Labour’s new report on supporting the creative industries, explaining how these plans may affect our members and their careers.

Published: 19 March 2024

Read all orchestral news

Career in orchestra

How to Audition

Be prepared for your audition and know what to expect for the best chance of success

Mouth Health for Wind and Brass Players

Webinar recording with BAPAM which considers some of the wider factors that may affect the oral health of orchestral instrumental players

Taking Care of your Music Instruments

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Woman smiling while looking at a laptop screen.

07 May 2024

RSM Social Networking

Meet colleagues from across the music profession for an informal gathering over Zoom.

Online

Last chance to book

Wooden person stepping across ascending blocks, there are coins on the final step representing financial growth. In the background there are icons of a laptop, phone and PC, representing distribution.

10 May 2024

How To Get a Publishing Deal and Do You Need One?

An online introduction to the world of publishing deals for songwriters, available to MU members based in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Online Member only

Last chance to book

A tiny guitar amp sits on sand with the sun setting behind it.

12 May 2024

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Bangor

Open to MU members in the Wales and South-West England Region only, this is an opportunity to ensure that your equipment is safe and you are able to provide assurances for your insurance, venues and bookers.

Bangor

See all events

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Use your voice

Popular searches

Orchestral Work

Advice, agreements and rates

Collective Agreements with Orchestras

Orchestras under ABO agreement

MU Promulgated Rates

Orchestral Touring Abroad

Orchestral Players Living with Covid-19

Orchestral Working Outdoors

Fair and Inclusive Orchestral Auditions

Member representation

MU Orchestra Stewards

Join the Freelance Orchestral Committee

Join the Orchestra Section

Latest news and features

Protect Welsh National Opera: Sign the Petition Now

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Landmark Agreement to Diversify UK Orchestras

MU Joins Calls for ‘Voice’ to be Eligible Instrument Under Orchestra Tax Relief to Enable Choirs to Benefit

MU Responds to Welsh National Opera Cuts

MU Experts Delve into Labour’s New ‘Access to Arts’ Plan

Career in orchestra

How to Audition

Mouth Health for Wind and Brass Players

Taking Care of your Music Instruments

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

RSM Social Networking

Last chance to book

How To Get a Publishing Deal and Do You Need One?

Last chance to book

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Bangor