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

Old, golden theatre binoculars resting on top of a musical score sheet.

What the Current Status of UK Opera Funding Means for Musicians and Audiences in 2024

Further to the release of Arts Council England’s Let's Create report, an analysis of opera and music theatre in England and Wales, journalist Andrew Stewart investigates the sector's current landscape and how this relates to the report, our members and the wider industry.

Published: 01 July 2024

People holding 'protect WNO' posters outside of The Wales Millennium Centre.

MU Ballots Welsh National Opera Members for a Mandate for Industrial Action

The MU is balloting its members in the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra for a mandate for industrial action.

Published: 25 June 2024

Musicians holding placards as part of a demo to protect the Welsh National Opera orchestra.

Protect WNO Campaign Backed by Senedd Members

Welsh National Opera orchestra members took their petition to the Senedd with support from Rhianon Passmore MS.

Published: 25 June 2024

Birds eye view of a woman on her tablet, sat cross legged next to an open suitcase with a pair of headphones on top of clothes.

MU Launch Brand New Member Benefit for Discounted Hotel Rooms in London

Our new partnership with Imperial Hotels means that we are now able to offer our members discounted rooms in selected hotels across London. Over time, we hope to expand this benefit to other locations throughout the UK.

Published: 01 June 2024

Protesters stood outside the theatre all wearing Shakespeare masks and ruffs, holding up signs saying keep Northern Ballet live.

Musicians Protest Ahead of Romeo & Juliet Performance to Keep Northern Ballet Live

Ahead of the first performance of Northern Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet in London earlier this week, members of the Northern Ballet Sinfonia dressed as Shakespeare and took to the streets to protest against plans to replace the live orchestra with recorded music.

Published: 30 May 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

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

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Young woman on director's chair on stage, in front of empty theatre seats.

17 Jul 2024

Ladies of the Stave: Networking Session For Female Musicians

A free networking event for female musicians, hosted by Nimax Theatres and supported by the MU.

London

Last chance to book

stacked rocks on the shore against blue sky

22 Jul 2024

Guided Meditation

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

Online Member only

Upcoming

A man explaining something to a woman as they sit in front of a computer screen.

24 Jul 2024

Q&A Session: Mentoring 4 Creatives

An online Q&A session for members in Wales to learn more about Mentoring 4 Creatives, a new mentoring programme for people working in live entertainment and the arts.

Online

See all events

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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

What the Current Status of UK Opera Funding Means for Musicians and Audiences in 2024

MU Ballots Welsh National Opera Members for a Mandate for Industrial Action

Protect WNO Campaign Backed by Senedd Members

MU Launch Brand New Member Benefit for Discounted Hotel Rooms in London

Musicians Protest Ahead of Romeo & Juliet Performance to Keep Northern Ballet Live

Career in orchestra

How to Audition

Mouth Health for Wind and Brass Players

Taking Care of your Music Instruments

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Ladies of the Stave: Networking Session For Female Musicians

Last chance to book

Guided Meditation

Upcoming

Q&A Session: Mentoring 4 Creatives