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New Agreement between Buxton International Festival and the Musicians’ Union

We are delighted to announce a new agreement between the MU and Buxton International Festival (BIF), detailing how its musicians will work as well as the minimum fees they will be paid.

Published: 18 March 2025 | 5:25 PM
The exterior of the Opera House in Buxton, Derybshire.
The agreement details how musicians who are engaged directly by the festival will work, as well as the minimum fees they will be paid. Image credit: Shutterstock.

The Musicians’ Union has met with Buxton International Festival (BIF) to put together an agreement for its freelance players.

The agreement details how musicians who are engaged directly by the festival will work, as well as the minimum fees they will be paid.

Supporting UK freelance musicians

Morris Stemp, MU Orchestras Official, says: “The creation of the Buxton International Festival Orchestra and the agreement with the MU, which is now incorporated into the suite of collective agreements that employers and engagers have with us, is an exciting and most welcome development for the Festival, the MU and the musicians that will perform in Buxton’.

"The launch of a festival orchestra marks a new and exciting chapter for Buxton International Festival” comments Michael Williams, CEO of BIF.

“Working alongside our colleagues in the Musicians Union, this initiative enhances our ability to support UK freelance musicians while further enhancing the quality of our world-class opera productions.”

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