skip to main content

Assistant General Secretary Naomi Pohl on The Musician Behind the Moment

Musicians’ Union Assistant General Secretary Naomi Pohl talks about The Musician Behind the Moment, on BBC Radio Ulster’s Classical Connections with John Toal.

Published: 15 May 2018 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM

Musicians’ Union Assistant General Secretary Naomi Pohl talks about The Musician Behind the Moment, on BBC Radio Ulster’s Classical Connections with John Toal.

“If you’re not someone who regularly goes to classical concerts, maybe you think that there isn’t a value in orchestral music for you.

"But I think what people don’t realise is that actually orchestras increasingly fulfil a social function aside from just performance.

"They’re also doing a lot of outreach work in care homes, dementia homes, schools, education environments, and they’re also performing on soundtracks that we all love...

These orchestral musicians are having a significant impact on people’s lives”

– Naomi Pohl

Listen to the full interview from 1:26:00 via BBC iPlayer Radio

The Musician Behind the Moment

The Musician Behind the Moment campaign highlights the value of orchestral musicians across the UK.

Explore four musicians' inspiring stories, and share your #MUmoment.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

MU members and Senedd candidates infront of an MU banner.

MU Members Meet Senedd Candidates to Highlight Music’s Role in Wales’s Economy and Communities

Welsh MU members met Labour Senedd candidates to discuss the future of the music industry in Wales, presenting the Union’s manifesto priorities for fair pay, strong public investment, and long-term sustainability across the sector ahead of the 7 May elections.

Published: 19 February 2026

Read more about MU Members Meet Senedd Candidates to Highlight Music’s Role in Wales’s Economy and Communities
The BBC Symphony Orchestra onstage at th BBC Proms. A huge crowd watches in a lit up room.

Protect Our BBC: Your Chance to Shape its Future

As the BBC Charter comes up for renewal, the MU is urging members to respond to the consultation and support the vital role the BBC plays in sustaining jobs, commissioning new work and underpinning the UK’s music industry. Use our template email to have your say before 10 March.

Published: 19 February 2026

Read more about Protect Our BBC: Your Chance to Shape its Future