Northern Ballet have now given up on using their own orchestra and propose to use a contract orchestra from another company. Photo: Jonathan Stewart for the MU.
At its latest International Orchestra Conference, the International Federation of Musicians (FIM) issued a statement in support of Northern Ballet Sinfonia.
It follows the announcement that Northern Ballet management is planning to ‘buy in’ another orchestra instead of fighting to save its own.
The FIM statement is signed by musicians’ unions from countries including Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Switzerland, the US and Canada.
Northern Ballet has given up on their own orchestra
FIM’s statement says: “The Northern Ballet in the United Kingdom recently started performing with a recording instead of their live orchestra due to funding issues and the high cost of touring. They have now given up on using their own orchestra and propose to use a contract orchestra from another company.
“The musicians’ unions participating in the International Orchestra Conference in Malmö from 23 to 26 October 2024 recognise the vital role of live music in ballet productions, but also the growing precariousness of freelance orchestral jobs. They fully support the affected musicians and stand behind the British Musicians’ Union’s campaign to save the Northern Ballet Sinfonia.”
Thank you to FIM and all the signatories for their solidarity.
A devastating effect on Northern Ballet musicians
The letter is the second such statement from FIM in support of members in the Northern Ballet orchestra.
In October 2023, the umbrella body for musicians’ unions around the world, issued a statement in support of the campaign to keep Northern Ballet live.
Writing to Arts Council England Chief Executive Darren Henley CBE, FIM said: “Music and dance lovers worldwide would not understand if the Arts Council England were to be the silent accomplice of this alarming situation. Even in difficult times, it is always a short-sighted, counterproductive approach to attempt to save money from an institution that plays such an important cultural role for all citizens.
“We, therefore, urge you to resolve this dreadful situation by getting around the table and agreeing on a sustainable funding package that keeps Northern Ballet alive in all the dimensions of its essential mission. The international music community would not understand if our request were to go unheard.”
Add your voice to the call
Over 22,000 people have signed a petition supporting musicians in Northern Ballet’s orchestra.