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

Small, dark, empty stage at a grassroots basement style venue. Instruments are ready and fairy lights line the back wall of the stage.

Second Phase of UK Artist Touring Fund Opens with £300,000 Boost

The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT), backed by the MU and funded by the LIVE Trust, has expanded its support for UK artists, with an additional £300,000 added to the fund and successful applicants now able to apply for up to £8,000. Applications for this round close on 11 September.

Published: 03 September 2026

Read more about Second Phase of UK Artist Touring Fund Opens with £300,000 Boost
Close up hands holding a pen and paper in front of a keyboard.

Protect Creative Work: AI Petition Passes 10,000 Signatures

The Creators’ Rights Alliance (CRA) has passed 10,000 signatures on its petition calling for greater transparency around copyrighted works used to train generative AI. The MU, a CRA member, fully supports the campaign, which is now aiming for 100,000 signatures.

Published: 28 August 2026

Read more about Protect Creative Work: AI Petition Passes 10,000 Signatures