Orchestral Work

Whether you work as a full time or freelance orchestral musician, the MU is here to help. We have a dedicated team, as well as elected MU Orchestral Stewards and dedicated MU Orchestra Section Committees for employed and freelance orchestra members.

Advice, agreements and rates

Collective Agreements with Orchestras

Our agreements cover the salaries, rates of pay, and terms and conditions for employed and freelance orchestral musicians.

Orchestras under ABO agreement

Rates and terms and conditions agreed with the Association of British Orchestras.

MU Promulgated Rates

We set our own rates for musicians working at orchestral concerts, opera and ballet.

Orchestral Touring Abroad

Orchestral Players Living with Covid-19

Health and safety and risk assessment guidance for orchestral players living with Covid-19

ABO

Orchestral Working Outdoors

Practical aspects and health and safety considerations when working outside, or at a large venue concert

Fair and Inclusive Orchestral Auditions

Member representation

MU Orchestra Stewards

The work of the Orchestra Stewards and the Roving Stewards is vital in representing you to your employer and is a prime example of a union run by members for its members.

Join the Freelance Orchestral Committee

If you are a freelance orchestral player wanting to take a more hands-on approach to the way your pay and terms are negotiated, join the FOC.

Get involved

Join the Orchestra Section

As an orchestral musician you know that for any problems or injuries, the MU is there to give you a helping hand or advice.
Maxine Kwok-AdamsFirst violin with the LSO

Latest news and features

The Welsh flag against a light blue sky.

Take the Creative Wales Industry Survey 2024

Businesses, employers, employees and freelancers in the creative sector in Wales are invited to take part in a short survey to help Creative Wales strengthen their support of the creative industries.

Published: 21 November 2024

MU Appoints First-Ever Permanent Officer for Northern Ireland

The Musicians’ Union has appointed its first-ever Regional Officer for Northern Ireland, marking an important point of progress for our members in the region.

Published: 21 November 2024

Two people holding placards saying 'Fund The Arts' and 'Protect Welsh National Opera'.

Michael Sheen Backs Campaign to Protect Welsh National Opera

Michael Sheen shared his solidarity with musicians in the Welsh National Opera orchestra and urged people to email their MP in support of the campaign to protect WNO.

Published: 08 November 2024

Northern Ballet demo in October, members are holding signs saying keep northern ballet live.

Musicians’ Unions Worldwide Back Call to Save Northern Ballet’s Orchestra

The International Federation of Musicians backs Northern Ballet Sinfonia in a message of solidarity signed by over 20 musicians’ unions worldwide

Published: 05 November 2024

WNO orchestra players holding up placards that say 'Protect WNO'.

Protect Welsh National Opera: Email Your Political Representatives for Support

Email your political representatives to support musicians campaigning to protect Welsh National Opera jobs and secure the company’s future, including touring in England and Wales.

Published: 30 October 2024

Read all orchestral news

Career in orchestra

How to Audition

Be prepared for your audition and know what to expect for the best chance of success

MU and ABO Joint Statement on Culture Change in Classical Music

The MU and Association of British Orchestras (ABO) stand together against bullying, harassment, abuse and discrimination, and are working jointly to ensure the UK's orchestra sector has a bright future.

Mouth Health for Wind and Brass Players

Webinar recording with BAPAM which considers some of the wider factors that may affect the oral health of orchestral instrumental players

Taking Care of your Music Instruments

Advice on how musicians can keep their music instruments in good shape, transport efficiently and set up equipment.

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

A young boy reading sheet music and playing violin.

25 Nov 2024

Music For Youth: Music Mentor Taster Session

A free mentor training taster session for MU members to find out what it's like to be a freelance Music Mentor for Music for Youth.

Online (Zoom) Member only

Last chance to book

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25 Nov 2024

Guided Meditation

An extremely efficient and powerful meditation practice, based on Ascension meditation techniques.

Online Member only

Last chance to book

Woman smiling while looking at a laptop screen.

25 Nov 2024

RSM Social Networking

Meet colleagues from across the music profession for an informal gathering over Zoom.

Online

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Use your voice

Popular searches

Orchestral Work

Advice, agreements and rates

Collective Agreements with Orchestras

Orchestras under ABO agreement

MU Promulgated Rates

Orchestral Touring Abroad

Orchestral Players Living with Covid-19

Orchestral Working Outdoors

Fair and Inclusive Orchestral Auditions

Member representation

MU Orchestra Stewards

Join the Freelance Orchestral Committee

Join the Orchestra Section

Latest news and features

Take the Creative Wales Industry Survey 2024

MU Appoints First-Ever Permanent Officer for Northern Ireland

Michael Sheen Backs Campaign to Protect Welsh National Opera

Musicians’ Unions Worldwide Back Call to Save Northern Ballet’s Orchestra

Protect Welsh National Opera: Email Your Political Representatives for Support

Career in orchestra

How to Audition

MU and ABO Joint Statement on Culture Change in Classical Music

Mouth Health for Wind and Brass Players

Taking Care of your Music Instruments

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Music For Youth: Music Mentor Taster Session

Last chance to book

Guided Meditation

Last chance to book

RSM Social Networking