Orchestral Player News & Stories

Naomi Pohl speaking into a microphone next to George Peretz KC on a panel at Labour Conference.

MU General Secretary Joins Calls For Urgent General Election

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl talks about our presence at this year's party conferences and what’s going on in music education, touring in Europe and orchestras, theatre and arts funding.

Published: 20 October 2022

Findings Show Classical Music Industry at Risk of Losing Talent and Decreasing in Diversity

The MU was one of many organisations to help fund groundbreaking research into a report which finds that the Classical Music sector is failing its parent and carer workforce.

Published: 20 October 2022

Woman with guitar in case, over her shoulder, at the railway station.

Taking Action - Our Update on Brexit for Musicians

The MU has been closely involved in the compiling of two comprehensive reports outlining the difficulties musicians and the creative industries as a whole are having in the post Brexit age.

Published: 19 October 2022

The MU at 2022’s Political Party Conferences

Read our highlights from this Autumn’s Labour and Conservative Party Conferences.

Published: 06 October 2022

Members' Conference Preview: How Can the Music Industry Support Musicians’ Mental Health?

Musician and MU Executive Committee Vice Chair Andi Hopgood explores common mental health challenges facing musicians ahead of a Members’ Conference panel on how the music industry is supporting musicians to stay mentally healthy.

Published: 15 September 2022

A young woman choosing composition for playing synthesizer at home.

MU Launches Members’ Conference 2022: Registration Now Open

What does it mean to be an inclusive trade union and music industry? Join the MU's General Secretary, the Union’s Executive Committee and other members in creative discussion at October’s two day event in Leeds.

Published: 01 September 2022

A conductor raises a hand towards a choir stood on a stage, facing outwards they appear to be singing.

The Power Of Musical Healing

Music plays a vital role in wellbeing and there is a wide range of help out there for music teachers and musicians.

Published: 24 August 2022

Silhouette of women holding her head in her hands in front of an open window, while the same figure appears in the background, arms raised representing she has overcome anxiety.

Looking at Anxiety: The Feldenkrais Method for Musicians

Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter looks at the neurophysiology of anxiety and how the Feldenkrais method can help performers.

Published: 26 July 2022

Silhouette of rising sun over the mountains in early morning

A Unique Opportunity: New General Secretary's Plans

Naomi Pohl, the new MU General Secretary, outlines plans for returning to work, improving our culture for staff and members and – given we’re all involved in music – listening more closely to each other.

Published: 21 July 2022

Member only Read more about A Unique Opportunity: New General Secretary's Plans

Golden opera mask and a white wooden fan on a bright turquoise background

MU Reiterates Black Face Position Statement

The reiteration comes following the Arena di Verona’s summer festival’s decision to darken performers skin for their roles in Verdi’s Aida, and their subsequent defence of this decision.

Published: 18 July 2022

Side view of Manchester bar at the nighttime with red neon sign saying 'Going out is the new staying in' after lockdown restirctions were eased last year.

The Road To Recovery: Musicians and Covid

Almost one year after restrictions began to lift, how is the fallout from Covid affecting UK musicians on the ground? Here artists across a range of genres share their experiences and assess the need for a fairer music industry.

Published: 13 July 2022

Small LGBT+ flag near cropped psychologist with digital tablet on blurred background.

MU Attends TUC LGBT+ Conference

A motion on the need for specialist LGBT+ mental health services was passed at the conference last week.

Published: 05 July 2022

Microphone next to laptop, displaying the equipment needed for a podcast.

MU Sponsors New Series of Classical Music Podcast Music Works

Music Works is a podcast that explores how the classical music industry works today and how it can work better in the future, with the first episode in the new series featuring MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl.

Published: 30 June 2022

A crowd/parade with LGBT rainbow flags in the air, out of focus apart from one hand outstretched holding a flag in the foreground.

“The MU LGBT+ Network Meetings Offer a Comforting Camaraderie”: A Members’ Story

EDI Committee member Lynn Henderson shares her experience of attending the LGBT+ Network meetings, being on the EDI committee and seeing how change is made at the MU.

Published: 24 June 2022

A music stand is empty against a brightly lit background

Major UK Broadcasters Back Calls for an ISA to Tackle Bullying and Harassment

ITV, Sky, BBC, Channel 4, and Channel 5 become the first UK broadcasters to back the next stage of Creative UK and UK Time’s Up proposal for an Independent Standards Authority to strengthen efforts to tackle bullying and harassment.

Published: 22 June 2022

7 MU members of staff standing in the street for the rally, all holding large white MU flags.

MU Joins Trade Union Members From Across the UK to Demand Better

Tens of thousands of trade union members marched together with one clear message for the Government: we deserve and we demand better.

Published: 21 June 2022

Woman out of focus holding outstretched hand to camera, palm facing, to represent 'no' or 'stop'. ,

MU to Gather Members’ Experiences of Misogyny and Sexism in Music Industry

All eligible members will be asked to complete a short survey to help make the music industry a safer, more equitable place for women.

Published: 17 June 2022

Close up of clarinet over a keyboard with sheet music.

MU and Black Lives in Music Launch 3-Year Partnership

The 3-year partnership will see BLiM and The MU work together to challenge racism, promote inclusive practices and accelerate change regarding diversity in the music industry.

Published: 16 June 2022

Close up of baritone saxophone, back ground is out of focus.

A Tribute to Frank White, 29 January 1938 – 2 April 2022

James Thompson pays tribute to Frank White, one of the finest baritone saxophone players in the UK and member of the MU for over sixty years.

Published: 10 June 2022

7 wooden shaped non gender figures on grey surface, with 3 dots in a speech bubble in white, one of the figures has a speech bubble in green showing they are talking.

Call for Statements in Support of Orchestral Royalties in Australia

PPL are supporting the MEAA in trying to lobby for change in Australia so that orchestras can receive their PPL equivalent PPCA.

Published: 08 June 2022

Ivory Ban Comes Into Force

The UK Ivory Act enforces a near total ban on elephant ivory sales from 6 June 2022.

Published: 08 June 2022

The tall corner of a building on Parliament Square with a street sign on it reading

Accessibility Information for the 18 June ‘Demand Better’ March and Rally

Join trade union members from across the UK in London on 18 June to demand better. There is information available about public toilets, wheelchair accessible stations, shortened march routes and more.

Published: 30 May 2022

Two hands reaching across a desk with papers and clipboards to shake hands on an agreement.

MU Legal Team Helps Several Members Achieve Substantial Settlement

The MU has recently assisted several members in achieving a substantial settlement in a long running dispute.

Published: 26 May 2022

BBC Publishes Report Emphasising Importance of the BBC’s Orchestras

The BBC’s Classical Music Review emphasises the importance of the BBC's orchestras and its crucial role in the wider classical music ecology, as well as introducing a new Head of Orchestras and Choirs position.

Published: 24 May 2022

A view of the houses of parliament in the rising sun, as seen across Westminster Bridge

‘We Demand Better’ National March and Rally on 18 June

The MU will be joining the trade union movement in London to tell this government: we demand better! Members are invited to join us, assembling from 10:30 am at Portland Place in Central London.

Published: 17 May 2022

The pride flag flies against a clear bright blue sky

Celebrating IDAHOBIT in the music industry

Today, Tuesday 17 May, the MU celebrates the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT).

Published: 17 May 2022

Bright blue sky with a white sign post showing three arrows saying help, guidance, support and advice in different directions.

Acas Updates its Disability Guidance

Public body Acas has updated its disability guidance to provide clear advice on how to support disabled people at work.

Published: 16 May 2022

A circular paper chain of 7 people, in the centre of a woman's open hands, a light coming from within to represent empowerment and positivity.

MU Welcomes Proposal For Independent Standards Authority

Creative UK and UK Time’s Up proposal for a formal Independent Standards Authority will seek to strengthen efforts to tackle bullying and harassment, and drive greater accountability across the UK’s creative industries.

Published: 05 May 2022

Blurred photo of a busy street in the west end, with well lit and colourful shopfronts open.

Outrage Over Cinderella Closure Announcement on Social Media

The MU has expressed its outrage, along with fellow unions, after musicians, cast and crew engaged on West End’s Cinderella only learnt of its planned closure through social media.

Published: 03 May 2022

Women with short dark hair, her eyes are closed and she is breathing deeply, an orange sunrise is subtly imposed over the head to symbolise mindfulness and new beginnings.

Feldenkrais: Breathing and Anxiety

In this repost of her blog (The Moving Brain), professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter explains how your mood can affect how you breathe, and how you breathe can affect and influence your mood.

Published: 21 April 2022

Singer, songwriter and rapper S1mba performing on stage

How Artists Can Make the Most Out of TikTok for Their Career

As TikTok becomes a vital promotional tool that can break a song internationally, we ask the musicians gaining traction on the app for their advice on going viral.

Published: 12 April 2022

The hands of small children playing on a singular djembe drum

Free Events for Mental Health Month With Young Classical Artists Trust

The Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT) are offering individual coaching, meditation classes and a workshop on managing your mind. This comes alongside a selection of events being produced over April by YCAT in partnership between the MU, Help Musicians, and BAPAM.

Published: 12 April 2022

How to Use Personal Injury Claim Service as Part of Your Membership Benefit

Examining how MU members and their families can make a free personal injury claim is John Morrison, partner at Morrish Solicitors LLP – a leading legal services provider.

Published: 10 April 2022

Member only Read more about How to Use Personal Injury Claim Service as Part of Your Membership Benefit

Cello, violin and saxophone against a bright blue background.

BAPAM, Help Musicians, MU and YCAT Launch Mental Health Month for Early Career Musicians

The Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT) are partnering with the MU, Help Musicians and British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) to raise awareness of mental health resources available to early career musicians.

Published: 04 April 2022

A spilled cardboard cup of popcorn lies next to a laptop computer.

National Open Youth Orchestra Virtually Premiere ‘What Fear We Then?’

On 28 January National Open Youth Orchestra virtually premiered a film of ‘What Fear We Then?’ by Alexander Campkin, co-commissioned with Bournemouth Symphony.

Published: 31 March 2022

The trans flag, with its blue, pink, white, pink, blue horizontal stripes waves above a crowded but blurred background.

Trans Day of Visibility: The Joy of Learning to Love Ourselves

Thursday 31 March is Trans Day of Visibility. We commissioned trans, masc, non-binary DJ artist has S/HE to write this blog celebrating the resilience and inner strength of the trans community.

Published: 31 March 2022

Back view of a woman playing violin reading sheet music, the background and rest of the orchestra are out of focus

Ensuring Health and Safety of Orchestras with Lifted Government Restrictions

Now that social restrictions have ended, you still need to be sure your employer or engager is offering you a safe place to work.

Published: 29 March 2022

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl stands in a crowd, chanting and cheering with placards that read

Naomi Pohl Formally Takes Up Role of MU General Secretary

Following her election to the role on Monday 7 March, today on Wednesday 23 March, Naomi Pohl formally takes up the role of MU General Secretary.

Published: 23 March 2022

MU at Labour’s National Women’s Conference

MU General Secretary Elect Naomi Pohl gave a historic video address at the conference, whilst MU Executive Committee member Sarah Williams gave a moving speech on supporting women through early pregnancy loss.

Published: 21 March 2022

MU Advice on Increase in Fuel Prices

From April 2022, the MU will update its mileage rates to reflect the fuel and cost of living crisis.

Published: 16 March 2022

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Orchestral News

MU General Secretary Joins Calls For Urgent General Election

Findings Show Classical Music Industry at Risk of Losing Talent and Decreasing in Diversity

Taking Action - Our Update on Brexit for Musicians

The MU at 2022’s Political Party Conferences

Members' Conference Preview: How Can the Music Industry Support Musicians’ Mental Health?

MU Launches Members’ Conference 2022: Registration Now Open

The Power Of Musical Healing

Looking at Anxiety: The Feldenkrais Method for Musicians

A Unique Opportunity: New General Secretary's Plans

MU Reiterates Black Face Position Statement

The Road To Recovery: Musicians and Covid

MU Attends TUC LGBT+ Conference

MU Sponsors New Series of Classical Music Podcast Music Works

“The MU LGBT+ Network Meetings Offer a Comforting Camaraderie”: A Members’ Story

Major UK Broadcasters Back Calls for an ISA to Tackle Bullying and Harassment

MU Joins Trade Union Members From Across the UK to Demand Better

MU to Gather Members’ Experiences of Misogyny and Sexism in Music Industry

MU and Black Lives in Music Launch 3-Year Partnership

A Tribute to Frank White, 29 January 1938 – 2 April 2022

Call for Statements in Support of Orchestral Royalties in Australia

Ivory Ban Comes Into Force

Accessibility Information for the 18 June ‘Demand Better’ March and Rally

MU Legal Team Helps Several Members Achieve Substantial Settlement

BBC Publishes Report Emphasising Importance of the BBC’s Orchestras

‘We Demand Better’ National March and Rally on 18 June

Celebrating IDAHOBIT in the music industry

Acas Updates its Disability Guidance

MU Welcomes Proposal For Independent Standards Authority

Outrage Over Cinderella Closure Announcement on Social Media

Feldenkrais: Breathing and Anxiety

How Artists Can Make the Most Out of TikTok for Their Career

Free Events for Mental Health Month With Young Classical Artists Trust

How to Use Personal Injury Claim Service as Part of Your Membership Benefit

BAPAM, Help Musicians, MU and YCAT Launch Mental Health Month for Early Career Musicians

National Open Youth Orchestra Virtually Premiere ‘What Fear We Then?’

Trans Day of Visibility: The Joy of Learning to Love Ourselves

Ensuring Health and Safety of Orchestras with Lifted Government Restrictions

Naomi Pohl Formally Takes Up Role of MU General Secretary

MU at Labour’s National Women’s Conference

MU Advice on Increase in Fuel Prices