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

Sticky note with human head and green cross icon, representing health and wellness.

Life Support: How BAPAM Supports Artists and Why the MU Proudly Backs its Work

A life in the arts often brings physical or psychological challenges, but BAPAM can offer vital support. Trustee and MU National Organiser for Education, Health and Wellbeing Chris Walters explains why the union is proud to champion its work and how its services can benefit members.

Published: 04 December 2025

Read more about Life Support: How BAPAM Supports Artists and Why the MU Proudly Backs its Work
Flags of the United Kingdom and the European Union next to each other.

Organisations from Across UK and Europe Join Forces to Remove Barriers to Touring and Drive Growth

A new UK–EU Cultural Exchange Coalition has launched today, uniting the MU and major creative organisations to push for removing post-Brexit touring barriers. The alliance seeks to turn political promises on cultural exchange into action supporting artists and renewing collaboration.

Published: 03 December 2025

Read more about Organisations from Across UK and Europe Join Forces to Remove Barriers to Touring and Drive Growth
An aerial view of Derry in Northern Ireland.

MU to Attend NW Music Makers Forum in Derry

Members are invited to join the MU in attending the NW Music Makers Forum in Derry to discuss collaborative support for the live music sector. Taking place on Friday 12 December 2025.

Published: 02 December 2025

Read more about MU to Attend NW Music Makers Forum in Derry