Opera North

Agreements between Opera North and MU for employed and self-employed orchestral musicians.

Rates of pay for freelance players effective from 5 April 2026 (Opera and Concerts)

1. Opera

Basic fees

Opera fees rehearsal for 2, 2.5 or 3 hours; Dress rehearsal up to 4 hours, Performance up to 3.5 hours

Tutti	Sub Principal	Principal	Section Leader
£96.25	£98.93	£104.28	£123.11

Long Opera fees (over 4 and up to 6 hours)

Tutti	Sub Principal	Principal	Section Leader
£192.56	£197.86	£208.56	£246.24

2. Concerts

Concert rates - standard fee

Tutti	Sub-Principal	Principal	Section Leader
£138.32	£142.85	£149.35	£168.83

Single rehearsal (up to 3 hours) where that is the only session on a given day

Tutti	Sub-Principal	Principal	Section Leader
£83.00	£85.71	£89.71	£101.30

Distance/Travel

Distance (where transport or travel fare is provided)	Travel (where transport is NOT provided)
16p per mile	35p per mile

For more information please see the full agreement. 

Contact details

Orchestra Manager: Rachel Mosley

Address: Opera North,  Howard Opera Centre, 8 Harrison Street, Leeds, LS1 6PA

Tel: 07960 959 995

rachel.mosley@operanorth.co.uk

Assistant Orchestra Manager: Emma Barnett

Address: Opera North,  Howard Opera Centre, 8 Harrison Street, Leeds, LS1 6PA

Tel: 07970 463 172

emma.barnett@operanorth.co.uk

 

MU H&S Representative: Richard Hewitt

MU Stewards: Andrew Mason and Dan Bull