A Sound Investment The mixed economy model of UK orchestras Foreword 1 2

The first part of this briefing looks at It has never been more important for If they don’t sustain the quality of their British orchestras are world-leaders. Attracting the best how the mixed economy model works orchestras to demonstrate that they output, then they won’t be invited in detail: really do deliver and add value for the on international tours, or be offered conductors and players, pioneering new music and new sums of money that are invested in them. lucrative recording deals. And it may be • How orchestras use the public Public finances are extremely tight, the more difficult for them to attract private investment they receive to lever approaches to the live experience, developing innovative amount of money available in the private donors. Many smaller orchestras have in significantly more resources from sector is limited, and consumers are exceptionally strong relationships with other sectors. For every one pound education programmes and reaching more people in more understandably choosy about where, their funders and supporters. It is very of taxpayers money invested in British when and how they spend on cultural important for the sector as a whole that orchestras, another £2 is generated areas than ever before, their impact continues to grow. and leisure activities. this philanthropic funding continues to from other sources. find its way through to the widest range The funding model that British orchestras Underpinning their success is a mixed economy model that • How orchestras work with private of orchestras and does not become have developed is flexible enough to givers – individuals, charitable trusts concentrated amongst the bigger players. help them withstand the pressures that utilises a combination of public and private investment, and businesses – using their donations this environment is creating. Importantly, So the balance of the model is crucial to and gifts in kind to innovate, reach out it does not leave them over reliant on its success, as is the interdependence of alongside income that orchestras earn themselves, to new audiences and showcase world investment returns – which has created each of the funding streams. Put simply, class musicians and performances. to drive their work. problems for some US orchestras; nor the investments made from each of the • How orchestras are earning income does it leave them as heavily dependent sources are together worth more than the for themselves from ticket sales, on the state as orchestras in continental sum of their parts. commissions, CD and downloads, Europe, at a time when subsidy is likely A Sound Investment is packed with international touring and other to be constrained. examples of how orchestras combine commercial partnerships all to ensure But it is a delicate ecology: too deep the various sources of funding to deliver the widest possible audience gets the a cut in any of the streams – and in their work. chance to experience music at its best. particular in public funding - will impact on an orchestra’s ability to earn income. 3 4

The briefing also describes how orchestras working in local schools, to help children from the sale of a CD, download or are innovating to earn income for better learn and understand music; or concert ticket. themselves. Orchestras are touring more, in community projects, supporting work We hope that A Sound Investment shows showcasing British excellence overseas. from health to community care. how the breadth of activity in which Public 35% Not only does this open up opportunities Local authorities make these investments orchestras are engaged is effectively for new investment from other countries, because they know what orchestras geared at keeping them sustainable. it extends their reach to new markets, deliver above and beyond the excellence And we hope that those who have made ensures they have regular income of their performances. And because sound investments in British orchestras Private 14% throughout the whole year and not so often orchestras have strong roots over the years can see very clearly both just their British concert season, and within these local communities, so their the value that those investments have gives the opportunity to their musicians importance – socially, culturally and generated, and, crucially, how each to showcase their talents in new to the local and regional economy – one in turn has led to further income environments. is recognised. generation. We have an orchestral Earned 51% sector renowned across the world for its And of course, orchestras are making So the second part of A Sound musical excellence. We hope it can also more and more of their music available Investment looks at three different parts be recognised for the effectiveness of its online, via CDs, through broadcasting of the UK – Birmingham, the North West, funding model. and on films and other collaborative and the nations of Scotland and Wales – projects. All of this activity exposes the to see how orchestras have adapted to orchestras to new audiences, as well as the particular funding needs and priorities Mark Pemberton bringing in income to supplement the within those areas. Director, Association of British Orchestras core public investment from which many of them pay their essential overheads. No-one within the orchestral sector believes they have any divine right to Much of this public investment is generated funding. They are committed to earning Percentages of income generated by British locally – given by local authorities in every penny whether it is invested by orchestras 2008/9 (source: ABO key facts return for specific benefits that they know

public or private sources, or comes survey, 2009) in the concert hall Croydon © Benjamin Ealovega: London Mozart Players rehearsing orchestras can deliver. Whether this is 1. Public Investment 5 6

Public investment for orchestras comes investment means that long-term A recent survey into the impact of from a number of sources, including Arts relationships between audiences and Welsh National Opera (WNO) on Councils and local authorities. Orchestras performers can be built, allowing greater the Welsh economy reveals the also draw in public investment from other space for shared experimentation. company contributes £22.5 million Part 1. Public, Private and sources such as government departments A sustained public funding base makes to the country – five times its current and the Big Lottery Fund – often explicitly it possible for orchestras to plan ahead annual revenue funding of £4.5 to further their charitable objectives, and build long-lasting partnerships million from Arts Council of Wales Earned Income and as part of third sector relationships within the communities they serve and with other parts of public sector service other partners – rather than just one-off delivery. The projects highlighted below engagements. And crucially, it provides demonstrate just some of the innovative an essential platform for orchestras to education, learning, engagement and lever other funding; whether through their For every £1 of community work orchestras are doing own entrepreneurial activities or private every day which is made possible by support. public investment, public investment. This part of the briefing illustrates how orchestras leverage Public subsidy also allows orchestras to orchestras make the most effective use of provide high quality music to communities the different sources of public investment, another £2 from across the country – from city centres to showing the cultural, educational, social other sources rural villages – and often in areas otherwise and economic benefits that this can bring. unserved by top quality music provision. Investment from public sources enables orchestras to be creative and adventurous in the programming which they bring to these communities, supporting them to bring world-class musicians, soloists and conductors to the UK. Sustained Orchestra of the Age Enlightenment: Audience at a Night Shift concert Orchestra 1.1 Funding from Arts Councils 7 8 In 2008/09, British Extending reach to the regions Creative Scotland ‘For many of our young adults, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s Creative Scotland (formerly the Scottish communications and social orchestras played to (RPO) annual funding from Arts Council Arts Council) provides funding for the interactions are significant barriers over 3.4m people at England is an essential source of Scottish Ensemble’s ‘Quicksilver’ to learning, but these barriers were support for the orchestra’s concerts project. This project specifically targeted overcome by the friendships that over 3,100 concerts outside London - delivering first- families with children in Glasgow and the developed and the experiences they in the UK class performances in venues and to wider community – offering alternative shared. communities that often don’t have the performance times to complement current Our very special partnership with experience or financial means to present music provision in City Halls. Orchestra of the Swan has been a full concert season by a professional crucial to the success of this Working with Youth Music symphony orchestra. During the 2009- community opera project.’ ‘Space Odyssey’, an opera commissioned 2010 season, the RPO played 77 concerts Niki Jones, Deputy Headteacher for Welcombe Hills Special Schools and in over 44 venues outside the capital, at Welcombe Hills school from Ripon and Hull in the north to Exeter funded in a unique partnership between and Glastonbury in the south-west and Arts Council England, Youth Music and Lowestoft and Ipswich in the east. Welcombe Hills School, ran from October Other London-based orchestras such 2009 – April 2010. Led by the Orchestra as the Philharmonia Orchestra and of the Swan, the project consisted London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) of workshops, rehearsals and vocal enjoy thriving residencies outside the sessions with three Stratford schools, capital, also supported by Arts Council with 80 children participating in the final England. The LPO’s relationship with performance to an audience of over Brighton Dome and Congress Theatre in 600 people. Eastbourne has grown over the past few seasons and the Philharmonia Orchestra has residencies in Bedford, Canterbury and Leicester. of the Swan: Space Odyssey Opera Orchestra 1.2 Working with local authorities 9 10

A 20-year partnership French connections The Mayor of Caen was so impressed by The London Mozart Players has been Delivered by Bournemouth Symphony the Portsmouth pupils having the support Parent at Shenley School funded by Croydon Council for over 20 Orchestra (BSO), ‘The Mysteries of Our of their local symphony orchestra that he years to perform eight concerts a season Neighbour’s Culture’ is an ongoing schools suggested his regional chamber orchestra at Fairfield Halls, as well as schools’concerts, project in Portsmouth - demonstrating get involved. This example shows how and take musicians out into the borough how an exciting and diverse project can British orchestras are combining locally to perform in local schools and care homes. develop, effectively using funding creatively generated and European funds to create Thanks to the funding they receive, each to add value. Jointly funded by Portsmouth exciting, sustainable international projects. year the orchestra engages thousands City Council and EU funder INTERREG, of people of all ages with enthusiastic the project involves schools from both the Thriving residencies feedback seeing them return year city and its French twin city Caen. In the The Philharmonia Orchestra’s residency upon year. first year of the project the Mini BSO (five at De Montfort Hall in Leicester has been professional BSO musicians) recorded thriving for 13 years. Leicester City Council ‘I felt I had to write after hearing a set of French songs, from which each provide support that bridges the financial last night’s concert. My wife and English school chose one to learn, and a gap between the box office and the costs I thoroughly enjoyed it, and there musician visited each school to help with of bringing a full-scale orchestra, artists was a palpable sense of enjoyment the performance - the Portsmouth schools and programmes to Leicester to create a around the audience. I’m sure it must then performed to schools in Caen via a high-profile 10-concert annual season. have been quite hard work for the live satellite link from Portsmouth Guildhall. Over the 13 years of residency, almost musicians but the feeling coming The second year however is growing in 200,000 people have been involved in across was that they were also scale and plans are in place to develop the Philharmonia Orchestra’s work, and excited by it.’ a set of English songs for the French as a result of the council funding, the Audience member, London Mozart schools – and a song to learn that orchestra has run a large-scale education Players’ concert combines both languages. programme in schools and the local community.

© Benjamin Ealovega: London Mozart Players rehearsing in the concert hall Croydon © Benjamin Ealovega: London Mozart Players rehearsing 1.3 National government-led 1.4 The Big Lottery Fund 11 12

Social transformation, boosting West Everton Children’s Orchestra began • In a normal year at Faith Primary, Supporting new school ensembles Since 2004, the Big Lottery Fund attainment in April 2009; one day after children had around 20% of children exceed the ‘Count Us In’ is a Hertfordshire- has delivered funding for a number of ‘In Harmony Liverpool’ is a community picked up an instrument for the first time. teachers’ expectations in academic wide project delivered by the Royal orchestras’ projects and events, benefiting development programme using music to Just 12 weeks later, they performed for achievement. Through the support and Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) and funded communities across the UK. Examples bring positive change to the lives of young 600 friends and families at Liverpool impact of ‘In Harmony Liverpool’, 78% by the Department for Education. Running include Lancashire Sinfonietta’s The children aged 0-12 years in West Everton, Philharmonic Hall. They now regularly of children have exceeded expectations from September 2009 – November 2010, Sound Playground - a 2-year project, perform to great acclaim at the Phil’s in educational attainment. which will see musicians work with pre- one of the most deprived areas of the the project is run in partnership with country – and is one of the most significant concert venue for audiences up to Hertfordshire Music Service and supported school children, families and childcare 1,000 people. ‘The music classes at school were practitioners in Burnley to establish long developments in music education, greatly inspiring to the point that my by Orchestras Live. social transformation, regeneration and In its first 18 months, ‘In Harmony’ has term music programmes in children’s daughter has opted to start violin The project has led to eight year 7 centres and create high quality music community engagement in the UK in already had a dramatic impact on the lessons next September term, which instrumental ensembles being established resources; London Symphony recent times. West Everton community, showing very I am thrilled about’ in Comprehensive Schools across the clearly what targeted investment in Orchestra’s Fusion Orchestra where Led by the Royal Liverpool Parent at Shenley School , part of the county – reaching more than 200 players from the London Symphony orchestras can deliver: Philharmonic Orchestra (RLPO) with Count Us In programme young people. Orchestra spend time exploring music, • The percentage of children improving local partners including West Everton’s It will continue throughout 2010, providing improvising and creating new sounds and by 2 national curriculum levels or more only school, Faith Primary School, and ongoing support to the school ensembles pieces with young musicians from the local through SATS and Optional SATS tests inspired by Venezuela’s El Sistema, ‘In and ensuring they grow year on year. area during the school holidays; and the in reading has increased from 36% in Harmony’ is core-funded through the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s Family 2009 to 84% this year, and in numeracy Department for Education to March 2011. Workshops ‘Musical Pictures’ in partnership from 35% in 2009 to 75% in 2010; The programme also works in partnership with Tate Britain - a free workshop with local music services and a Higher exploring pieces from the Tate Britain’s Education Institution partner. permanent collection through the use of music. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: Musical Pictures in partnership with Tate Britain in partnership with Tate Musical Pictures Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: 2. Private Investment 13 14

Whether through philanthropic giving Corporate sponsors support some Increasingly orchestras are finding that – in the form of high level-individual of the most successful and wide-reaching sponsors – whether private companies donations or friends schemes - corporate projects run by orchestras. For example or trusts and foundations - will apply sponsorship or awards from trusts and Sinfonia ViVA’s long-running relationship match funding; ‘we’ll put some money foundations, orchestras are working with Rolls Royce has seen the two in if you match it’ is a common request. hard to attract private money to develop organisations bring music into the This part of the briefing shows how innovative education projects, concert company’s training programmes, whilst orchestras are working with private series and to make existing public one of Britain’s largest insurance providers investors to innovate and reach new investment go further. Aviva is the LPO’s official international audiences, and where possible create Donations can take a wide range of touring partner, enabling the orchestra partnership funding models from forms. Some orchestras have friends to export the best of British classical music different sources. and members schemes, encouraging to China, India and South Korea. supporters to sponsor an orchestral Trusts and Foundations are a key source ‘chair’, player or conductor – or even of funding for orchestras, often focused a note in a symphony. Many orchestras on specific projects. In 2009, London have successfully built a group of individual Mozart Players received significant supporters – the key to which is using funding from the Steel Charitable Trust, a specific campaign or concert series Hedley Foundation and others to run a to establish relationships, and a long-term Special Schools project in Croydon. The plan so that sponsors are likely to move Philharmonia’s award-winning RE-RITE on to support developmental investment, digital installation was primarily funded such as new IT systems, as well as artistic by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, with innovation. Arts Council England support, providing a unique opportunity for the public to step inside the orchestra. John Watson: City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra John Watson: Richard Haughton: Philharmonia Orchestra Richard 2.1 Trusts and foundations 15 16 ‘A frequent opportunity to hear great Steel Charitable Trust Paul Hamlyn Foundation the Orchestra’s work including education music played by a top orchestra on London Mozart Players received significant The Philharmonia Orchestra’s award and community projects. The Foyle my doorstep – their performances to funding from the Steel Charitable Trust, winning RE-RITE project was funded by Foundation provides majority support of me, are one of life’s great pleasures’ Hedley Foundation and others to run a the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, one of the this important initiative through a major Audience member, Manchester special schools project. ‘Music and the leading independent grant making bodies multi-year grant and its vision has helped Camerata. Senses’ uses music to communicate funding the arts. The ground breaking the LPO to secure additional grants that with severely handicapped children and digital residency at the Bargehouse, on have allowed it to expand and enhance adults. The project was used in schools London’s South Bank enabled the public the programme. in Croydon and in Lincolnshire as part to ‘step inside’ and experience being in the Bank of America Foundation of the orchestra’s local authority-funded orchestra through a combination of audio Manchester Camerata’s ongoing residencies there. If funding is maintained, and visual projections of the orchestra’s partnership with the Bank of America the project can be developed and taken performance of Stravinsky’s The Rite Foundation to deliver a learning residency further afield. of Spring. The installation has since been in Chester in association with Chester to Leicester and will be seen in Lisbon Festivals, is one of the highest-value John Ireland Trust in January 2011. The John Ireland Trust funded the partnerships of its kind in the UK. In 2008 Orchestra of the Swan to orchestrate, Foyle Foundation Bank of America’s generous donation record and perform the previously London Philharmonic Orchestra’s enabled Manchester Camerata to deliver unorchestrated Arnold Bax piano pioneering Foyle Future Firsts 15 individual music making projects as concertino – which is the only recording apprenticeship scheme for emerging part of the festival’s education programme, available of the work. The project was also orchestral musicians is now entering with the residency culminating in a joint filmed for a documentary by Honestinjun its sixth full season. Established in concert alongside the Chester Youth films. This innovation was only possible 2005, it provides gifted and talented Orchestra at Chester Cathedral. The thanks to the imaginative investment of the young musicians emerging from UK residency was a huge success engaging Trust. Although a one-off project, it has led conservatoires the opportunity to play with over 5,000 people from all sections of to a number of smaller projects funded by alongside LPO members in rehearsals and the community and coming into contact

the Trust. concerts, and experience other areas of with many thousands more across the RE-RITE digital residency groundbreaking Kim/Samsung: Philharmonia’s Philharmonia Orchestra/MJ entire UK. 2.2 Individual giving 17 18

Annual membership ‘Giving to the arts is fun! There International Touring Fund the Development Department which In 1999 the Academy of Ancient are three reasons why Phillida and In its desire to be an ambassador for contributes over £2.5million a year from Music’s (AAM) founded the AAM Society I give support to arts organisations Scotland, the Scottish Chamber private sector fundraising to ENO. - to attract private funding from those that and to the Academy of Ancient Orchestra (SCO) has sought to develop believe in the AAM’s work and recognise Music in particular. First the an international touring fund. Thanks its achievements. There are various levels excellence of orchestra; all the arts to the generosity of individual donors, Created in 1971, of membership, and the group now consists organizations we support have the together with funding from the Scottish the scheme has over of 150 individuals or couples who donate highest artistic standards. Secondly Government, the SCO has been able to between £250 and £25,000 a year to the involvement with the artists: time undertake groundbreaking tours including 4,000 members and the orchestra. spent with the performers has given 6 dates in India in 2009 in addition to visits us the opportunity to get inside the makes a significant The orchestra has recently received to Eastern Europe, Spain Italy and music. Thirdly the good management support from charitable trusts and a forthcoming US tour. contribution to the of the orchestra: the knowledge that individuals for The Bach Dynasty – a the organization is well run and that English National Opera ENO’s private year-long concert series in Cambridge and our donations – even if small – make London exploring the music of JS Bach Recognising strong ticket sales and public fundraising a difference and help to bring to and four generations of his lesser-known funding alone are not enough, English fruition more great music gives great relatives. Many of those supporting the National Opera (ENO), one of the most satisfaction. The combination of syndicate are long-standing members prolific opera houses in the world, has these three things has given us huge of the AAM Society. developed a pioneering individual giving pleasure.’ scheme - Friends of ENO to generate more Christopher Purvis, AAM donor income. The scheme rewards ‘friends’ with a range of privileges including priority booking, behind the scenes access at the London Coliseum and the opportunity to attend special events and dress rehearsals. Friends of ENO are part of Marco Borggreve: Academy of Ancient Music Borggreve: Marco 2.3 Corporate sponsors 19 20

Sound Investment ‘I feel so strongly that new music Rolls Royce ‘We recognise the important role Aviva Birmingham Contemporary Music should be supported and all this In what is one of the longest running arts can play in both the community The London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Group’s (BCMG) pioneering Sound wonderful work given oxygen. This partnerships between industry and the and the workplace, and have built (LPO) partnership with Aviva is one of Investment scheme is widely accepted is an affordable and rewarding way Arts, Sinfonia ViVA and Rolls-Royce have our relationship with ViVA over the the longest running corporate orchestral as a model of best practice for involving I can help ensure these works of art been working together for over fifteen years not only to the mutual benefit relationships, spanning 36 years. The individuals in the commissioning of new reach completion and receive the years. The partnership began with a small, of both organisations, but also the name, brand and relationship between work by living composers. The total exposure they deserve.’ one-off arrangement has grown into a wider community. Aviva and the LPO has evolved significantly: amount of money needed for each new Peter Marsh, Sound Investor multi-faceted and innovative partnership. ‘We are very proud that we have from sponsorship of the Orchestra’s concert piece of music is divided into Sound Units ViVA now works with Rolls-Royce on been able to develop the partnership season at Southbank Centre’s Royal of £150 and Sound Investors can buy a range of activities including concerts, by introducing different areas of Festival Hall to engagement with pioneering one or more Sound Units to support the education projects and other initiatives work and break new ground education programmes and exclusive composers of their choice. To date Sound promoting creative music activities in together.’ sponsorship of the Orchestra’s Principal Investment has raised £¼ million from communities across the East Midlands. Conductor, Vladimir Jurowski. In line individuals for the commissioning of more Rolls-Royce Director of Human with their expanding global brand, Aviva than 70 new pieces, with over 300 Sound Resources, John Rivers became the LPO’s official international Investors now involved, 50% of which are Touring Partner in 2009, helping the based in the West Midlands. This exciting orchestra export the best of British classical partnership between audiences and music to Australia, China, India and Korea. BCMG to support living composers has Through this international touring been requested for use as a case study partnership, the LPO was able to attract by Ed Vaizey MP, Minister for Culture. additional high profile partners during the tour of India as a result of Aviva’s support, including the British Council, Trinity College London and The Hindustan Times.

Adrian Burrows: BCMG musician playing new works Adrian Burrows: Sinfonia Viva: Sinfonia Viva working in Partnership with Rolls Royce and Derby LivE 21 22

Bank of Scotland Delivering the only scheme of its kind in Schubert and Bach in their Mahler Classic FM and Orchestras London 2012 Olympic Games For the past 16 years, the Bank of the UK, this partnership has encouraged editions. The series, which the Sunday From providing sponsorship to being Starting in 2007, New London Scotland has sponsored the Scottish even more children and families to attend Times voted as one of the ‘Top 100 a media partner, Classic FM’s commitment Orchestra’s ‘Newham Welcomes the Chamber Orchestra’s annual Fireworks great classical concerts and inspired Tickets for 2010’, began on 25th January to building new audiences and widening World’ is a 6 year community music Concerts – which take place each year young people to delve even deeper into with a performance of Symphony No. 1. access has led to a range of innovative programme based in Newham, one at the end of the Edinburgh International music appreciation through incentivised Sky Arts filmed the Orchestra during partnerships with other orchestras, arts of the 5 Olympic boroughs of London. Festival. The event itself is unique, repeat visits, access to a tailor-made rehearsals for a 10-minute documentary organisations and initiatives. Celebrating east London’s journey towards microsite and RSNO side-by-side Sky Arts at the Royal Liverpool with a 45-minute concert, an audience A number of orchestras are Classic FM the London Olympic and Paralympic coaching with youth training orchestras Philharmonic for broadcast from mid- of 250,000, high quality music and a Partners including The Sixteen (the Games in 2012, the series of annual across the country. February across Sky Arts television synchronised firework display. official ‘voices of Classic FM’), the projects, each with a different theme and channels and website. This is in addition Philharmonia Orchestra, the Royal different local partner organisations, has Standard Life Media Partners to a ten year partnership with Classic FM. Scottish National Orchestra and Welsh attracted a range of corporate sponsors Originally piloted in 2006, the Royal The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic The exposure generated through media National Opera. including Eurostar, Lend Lease, National Scottish National Orchestra’s (RSNO) Orchestra and BSkyB’s arts channel Sky partnerships is a vital part of the marketing Express and Tube Lines; as well as funding Classic FM also supports a number under-16s initiative - a scheme enabling Arts announced a new media partnership and promotion needed by orchestras to from Awards for All and local trusts. all young people under the age of 16 to for 2010. The partnership focuses on the ensure they can generate further income festivals and concert series across the attend RSNO concerts across Scotland Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s from ticket sales, performances and country including the Two Moors festival, free of charge – was made sustainable Mahler Edition concert series under the recordings. Canterbury festival and the Birmingham International Concert Season - part through a partnership with Standard Life. baton of Chief Conductor, Vasily Petrenko. ‘If it continues in this vein, of their long standing partnership The scheme provided an excellent fit with The Mahler Edition is a two-year journey Liverpool’s Mahler cycle could with leading classical music venues Standard Life’s commitment to supporting through Mahler’s complete orchestral be one of the most appealingly Symphony Hall and Town Hall young emerging talent and encouraging works in celebration of the anniversary of idiosyncratic odysseys of this in Birmingham. more young people to experience and the composer’s 150th birthday and 2011 anniversary year.’ engage with live orchestral music, and is the 100th anniversary of his death. The enabled the partners to launch the series also features recitals of his works Guardian review Standard Life Passport to Music. and pieces by Schumann, Beethoven, John Reddihough: New London orchestra’s ‘The Journey Begins’ with Newham John Reddihough: New London orchestra’s at ExCel London primary school children 3. Earned Income 23 24

Orchestras are both entrepreneurial and The pioneering LSO Live is just one on 4 continents. The orchestra’s ambitious when it comes to generating example of the hugely successful record international touring programme is funded their own income. labels owned by UK orchestras. From by local promoters who tap into different Tickets sales form the backbone of the first ever orchestral label RLPO Live resources depending on the country. In the their earned income. UK orchestras are formed in 1998, through to the LPO, Far East they secure significant corporate pioneers of new music, showcasing the Hallé, RPO, the Monteverdi orchestra sponsorship, in the US private giving and best of fresh composing and performing and London Sinfonietta, orchestras large endowment income, and in Europe it is talent. Their commercial engagements and small are developing their own labels. mostly publicly funded. often attract large audiences – and And as recordings enter the digital age, so This part of the briefing highlights the audiences that are increasingly young downloads are becoming a major area innovative ways that British orchestras and diverse. of expansion. are diversifying their earned income. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s Many orchestras are hired commercially season programme includes Symphonic – including for film soundtracks or TV Rock Concerts and James Bond programmes, and corporate events. LSO, Classics, the RLPO is performing a ‘John Philharmonia, LPO and RPO are amongst Lennon Songbook’ in its 2010 season, some of the British orchestras in demand Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and worldwide. the Scottish Chamber Orchestra are For some, international touring is a major amongst those performing annual sell-out way of generating income – as well as fireworks concerts and English National taking the best of British orchestral music to Opera works across arts forms and the wider world. For chamber orchestras performs in a range of unusual settings, such as the Academy of St Martin in constantly attracting new audiences. the Fields and the Academy of Ancient Music, international touring is a major income stream; since October 2008, AAM has performed 100 international concerts John Watson 3.1 Ticket sales and building new audiences 3.2 International touring 25 26

Unique collaborations Fireworks Proms Discounted ticket schemes For many of the smaller orchestras, Best of British International reach English National Opera is attracting new Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Nearly every orchestra has a discounted international touring provides a core For over 30 years, The Sixteen has In 1993, the Academy of St. Martin and diverse audiences through their is a pioneer of spectacular outdoor ticketing scheme catering for people stream of income – as well as allowing been committed to exporting the best in the Fields became the first orchestra unique collaborations with other art forms fireworks concerts, and performs ten of all ages. British excellence to be exported abroad. of British classical music. They have to be honoured with the Queen’s Award in a range of unconventional settings such events at different venues, such as Ranging from the LPO’s ‘Noise’ scheme toured extensively throughout Europe, for Export Achievement- celebrating their including abandoned warehouses. ENO’s stately homes and parks, across the south for the under 26s, to the Philharmonia In 2008/09, British Japan, Australia and the Americas and commitment to exporting the highest recent contemporary opera productions and west each year. Some 50,000 people Orchestra’s concessionary scheme for orchestras: have given regular performances at major quality British orchestral music to the include a staging of Philip Glass’s attend these concerts annually, which act people in receipt of benefits - orchestras concert halls and festivals worldwide, world. And over the past 2 decades, Satyagraha which was developed in as an important audience development are ensuring everyone can afford to Played in 39 different including Concertgebouw - Amsterdam, the Academy have received a number of collaboration with the unique theatre and tool – many attendees are first-time experience high quality classical music. Sydney Opera House, Tokyo Opera City international awards for their outstanding performance company Improbable and concert goers, drawn by the informality countries and Vienna Musikverein and the festivals recordings including eight Edisons, the Royal Scotish National Orchestra have was the best-selling contemporary opera and excitement, as well as the music, of Granada, Lucerne, Istanbul, Prague, Canadian Grand Prix and a multitude of teamed up with Standard Life to offer a in ENO’s history when it premiered in of these events. Performed 500 Edinburgh and Salzburg to name a few. gold discs for the soundtrack of Milos ‘Passport to Music’ which allows under 2006, as well as attracting an audience This touring activity is underpinned by their Forman’s film Amadeus and most recently Sinfonia ViVA’s annual Darley Park concert 16’s to attend a main season concert which was comprised of 70% first-time concerts overseas hugely successful own-label CORO. an Oscar for the Best Soundtrack for The is the largest free outdoor classical for free. attenders to ENO. The 2010 production concert in the country regularly playing English Patient. of The Duchess of Malfi, an innovative to audiences in excess of 30,000. This 100 concerts, 4 continents, collaboration with installation theatre hugely popular annual event, celebrating 1 orchestra group Punchdrunk staged in a deserted its 21st birthday in 2010, is managed by Since October 2008, the Academy warehouse, was ENO’s fastest-selling a three way partnership – Derby LIVE of Ancient Music has performed 100 show ever, and 83% of it’s audience had (part of Derby City Council), Rolls-Royce concerts on 4 continents. The concerts never attended an ENO opera before. and ViVA. are largely funded by local promoters who tap into different resources depending on the country. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra 3.3. Recordings & broadcasts 3.4. Award winners 27 28 In 2008/09 British World-leading digital recording label Soli Deo Gloria British orchestras record on major The London Symphony Orchestra’s LSO LSO Live is a leading, innovative recording The Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra’s and independent international record Live has won GRAMMY Awards in 2002, orchestras: label established in 2000. It was the first recording label Soli Deo Gloria (SDG) labels every year, competing in a global 2003, 2006 and 2007, and has won more of the new generation of classical labels was founded in 2005 to release the marketplace to secure fees and export GRAMMY Awards than any other non-US Made over 80 film owned by orchestras and has never live recordings made during the Bach their profile and products all over orchestra. Other recent UK orchestras to received external funding. The performers Cantata Pilgrimage. the world. win GRAMMY’s include the Philharmonia or TV recordings receive the profits on recordings, helping The RSNO has a long-standing Orchestra, Academy of St Martin in the SDG is now considered one of the Fields, London Philharmonic Orchestra replace some of the income they received leading independent recording labels; relationship with Chandos, with over Made 152 CDs prior to the decline of studio work in the 150 titles in the Chandos catalogue. and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera its recordings have won a number of House. Gave almost 500 UK. It was established specifically to awards, including Gramophone Awards The partnership is not only a source distribute recordings digitally at modest for its first ever recording produced of revenue, but an important brand Seven different UK orchestras were radio broadcasts prices as well as on CD, thereby reaching in 2005. association. nominated for Classic FM Gramophone far wider audiences than would previously awards in 2010, with two of them gaining It is a not-for-profit organisation and any The RLPO is currently recording a have been possible. a pair of nominations each. revenue from its recordings is reinvested into complete cycle of Shostakovich’s In the past ten years, LSO Live has symphonies, with Chief Conductor At the Classical Brit Awards in 2010 Vasily making new recordings of the Monteverdi produced over 125 projects. To date over ensembles’ innovative projects. Vasily Petrenko, on the Naxos label. Petrenko was recognised as Male Artist 75% of their recordings have generated This relationship is already an award- of the Year for his critically acclaimed a significant return to the performers with winning one: the RLPO’s recording recordings as Chief Conductor with the several generating returns far in excess of Tchaikovsky’s Manfred Symphony Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. of those that would have been received won Classic FM Gramophone Award’s had the recording been made for another ‘Orchestral Recording of the Year’ record label. Many LSO Live recordings in 2009. also feature repertoire that would otherwise not have been recorded due to the conservative programming policies of the majority of labels. Gautier Deblonde: London Symphony Orchestra 3.5. Orchestras in the workplace 3.6. Commercial hire 29 30

Sinfonia at Work and Work ViVA Private events and festivals 50 years of cinema classics Orchestras at the movies ‘Sinfonia at Work’ is Britten Sinfonia’s Orchestras have long been in demand for The Philharmonia Orchestra has had In addition to the Philharmonia innovative programme for businesses. a range of private and commercial events. a long distinguished association with Orchestra, two of London’s other Started in 2008, the orchestra has English Sinfonia, Royal Philharmonic cinema over the years since recording symphony orchestras, the London conducted successful sessions with Orchestra and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic its first film in the 1960’s. The orchestra’s Philharmonic Orchestra and London South Poland Business Link in Krakow Orchestra are amongst some of the earliest work includes such prestigious Symphony Orchestra have recorded and the prestigious Judge Business orchestras hiring out their services. films as Olivier’s Henry V with William soundtracks for some of the biggest School at Cambridge. This has become And orchestras are engaged by opera Walton, Scott of the Antarctic and Nicholas films of the last 2 decades in the UK a significant source of income for Britten companies on commercial agreements and Alexandra. In the 1980s and 1990s and abroad. In demand across the Sinfonia, demonstrating innovation and including London Philharmonic Orchestra the Philharmonia recorded the soundtrack globe, British orchestras are trailblazing entrepreneurialism. and the Orchestra of the Age of for Lawrence of Arabia, The Big Country, the recording scene for feature length Through its ‘Work ViVA’ strand Sinfonia Enlightenment at Glyndebourne and City Walt Disney’s animated classic Fantasia movies. Between both orchestras, they ViVA is a national award winner for its of London Sinfonia at Holland Park. 2000, Madeline, Entrapment, The King have provided soundtracks for award arts based training activity. Working with and I and 20,000 Leagues Under The winning films including Harry Potter, The organisations such as hotel groups, Sea to name a few. The Philharmonia has Lord of the Rings trilogy, Oscar- winning marketing firms and Rolls-Royce ViVA recently become involved with recording Philadelphia, Star Wars and Braveheart. helps develop both the individual and the music for computer games; its music for company using music as a creative tool. the Harry Potter (Chamber of Secrets) In 2008 ViVA with Rolls-Royce won both computer game in 2004 won a BAFTA. the regional and national A&B People Development Awards. Britten Sinfonia: Sinfonia at Work- innovative programme for businesses innovative programme Britten Sinfonia: Sinfonia at Work- Part 2: From City Region to 1. Birmingham - The City at the Heart 31 32

The city region with Birmingham at its by a range of public sector partners, The City of Birmingham Symphony Nation: the mixed economy heart takes in Wolverhampton, Walsall, and have worked hard to ensure that Orchestra and Birmingham Solihull, Sandwell and Dudley, creating an local businesses and individuals have Contemporary Music Group have in practice area in which over 2.3million people live, opportunities to support where they been working with Birmingham Music and which is a work and leisure draw to can. And the range and volume of Service, Birmingham Jazz, Sound it Out many more. performances and other activities show Community Music and Performances The mixture of funding models can support a genuinely varied offer that they are doing all they can to generate Birmingham Limited (Town Hall and within the context of an area like a city region, region or nation. The city region has three locally-based ensembles, City of Birmingham Symphony income themselves. Symphony Hall) to deliver a DCSF (now The model works differently for different kinds of orchestras, enabling Orchestra, Birmingham Contemporary DFE) creative Music Partnership Project Birmingham Contemporary Music Group a real range of orchestral experiences for music-lovers and new audiences. Music Group and Birmingham Royal across Birmingham schools called (BCMG) brings the highest quality Ballet/ Royal Ballet Sinfonia and a ‘Banded About’. Both the participants contemporary music by British and number of other orchestras who have and the professionals developed their international composers to Birmingham residencies or regularly tour to the area. skills as part of the project, with the audiences, through concerts and professionals (including teachers) forming Over 200 performances a year take place workshops at the world-class city centre their own ensemble and leading creative in venues around the city region, from venue CBSO Centre, and in BCMG’s work in the schools. 20 schools and the splendour of Symphony Hall and the Champions area Northfield. Of the 140 almost 3,000 children were involved in In 2006, it was estimated that recently refurbished Town Hall in the heart new works which BCMG has premiered 2009/2010. Classical music created a direct of the city, to town and civic halls in Sutton in the past 21 years, 110 were heard for Coldfield, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton the very first time in Birmingham by local ‘A great opportunity, particularly for value to the West Midlands region and Walsall, to city squares, art galleries audiences, and all BCMG commissions those of us stuck in the classroom 1 of at least £55million annually and Birmingham International Airport. are performed at least once in the city. all day. I love my job but it is great to This rich offer encompasses professional, In total BCMG has given 527 performances get the opportunity to do what I love most - play my instrument’ amateur and training musicians, specialist (so far) of commissions by composers 1 Making a noise: The economic impact of classical music in the West Midlands and well-loved programmes, and world- from across the UK, all over Europe, and Jenetta Hurst, teacher at Holyhead class and locally-based artists. The from India, Japan, US, South America School playing with the Practitioners’ orchestras within the city are funded both and Australia. Ensemble 2. North West England - A Region 34

in Renaissance The Hallé Harmony Orchestra The North west’s chamber orchestras Sinfonietta members are drawn from was an 18 month project which help to serve a breadth of large and small established orchestras throughout the 33 explored social interaction and team venues all over the region, from Ulverston UK and most received their early musical achievement amongst young people to Macclesfield, and from Morecambe to education in Lancashire. The orchestra The North west of England, from its two Leeds, Sheffield and Blackburn. Indeed, from a wide range of backgrounds, Warrington – with some musicians being performs in local concert venues as well The Royal Liverpool major and distinctively different powerhouses the RLPO treats Preston as its second and particularly those who might drawn from the area’s symphony orchestras, as providing smaller ensembles in libraries Philharmonic creates – Liverpool and Manchester – to the rural home, with a regular concert society and not normally be involved in classical supporting a fluid ecology and ensuring and churches - and works with a range of an economic impact splendour of the Lake District, and its own branch of RLPO Friends. music. The local authorities of that national and international talent can service and community partners to provide much more in between, is a region in These two symphony orchestras have Bolton, Manchester City, Oldham be accessed by residents in their localities. music-themed educational, arts and which supports renaissance. Manchester is fast confirming substantial relationships with local authorities and Stockport supported the project, Together they have worked with Manchester community-based programmes for young approximately 280 its status as a national hub for media and based in their city region areas, working in along with Arts Council England Metropolitan University to develop a and old alike. creativity. Liverpool’s successful year as a variety of ways to support communities and Channel 4, who made a four one-year training course to support their FTE jobs and £8.9m European Capital of Culture 2008 has and other infrastructural partners. part documentary Orchestra United musicians in developing skills for the in Gross Value Added heralded significant economic growth, shown in July and August this year. delivery of successful education projects. particularly in tourism. The Lancashire Sinfonietta, the only professional orchestra based in the county, across the North The region and its 6.9million residents are was established fourteen years ago by served by three symphony orchestras and West as a whole Lancashire County Council to celebrate three chamber orchestras, all of whom the wealth of musical talent nurtured in are based in the area. Both ballet and Lancashire and to put this to service in opera audiences are served by regular local communities. The orchestra is unique residencies from neighbouring Northeast- in that it is directly funded having been set based ensembles. up as a local authority service and sitting Both the Hallé and the Royal Liverpool within the council alongside areas such Philharmonic Orchestra play extensively as Adult Social Care, Libraries and across the Northwest, in cities and towns Adult Learning.

including Carlisle, Preston, Bradford, Orchestra Chris Drabble: Hallé Harmony Youth 3. Delivering for Rural and Urban 36

Communities in Scotland and Wales Scottish Ensemble, a string chamber In March 2010 the Royal Scottish ensemble, recently delivered ‘Build A National Orchestra delivered their annual 35 Gig’, with investment from Friends of the ‘Out and About’ week in Aberdeen Scottish Ensemble and Highland Council, and Aberdeenshire, part of an ongoing Orchestras in both Scotland and Wales are and in-kind support from their designers, partnership programme with Aberdeen A recent survey into faced with very particular challenges. They d8, which levered a further £20k from City Council and Aberdeenshire Council. the impact of Welsh have national responsibilities, and serve Arts & Business through their New The programme was also sponsored National Opera more than 8 million residents spread out Partners Fund. by TOTAL E&P UK Ltd, and the ‘Out over almost 40,000 square miles. Using the skills of Scottish Ensemble and About’ week attracted substantial (WNO) on the Welsh The nations are well served currently musicians and staff, the project funding from trusts and foundations, economy reveals the by professional high quality orchestras. supported students in Ullapool High local philanthropists and business. Scotland has two symphony orchestras, School and Greenock Academy to build The ‘Out and About’ week was designed company contributes as well as Scottish Opera and Scottish a concert. In Ullapool students devised to deliver an intensive burst of activity £22.5 million to the Ballet, and two chamber orchestras, while and wrote their own compositions, across the region, engaging with three Wales has one symphony orchestra, in and performed them alongside the key social groups, the young, the elderly country – five times addition to the Welsh National Opera and professionals. A wider group of students and people in health care settings. Nearly its current annual three chamber orchestras. (from enterprise, business studies, art 2,500 individuals, from 16 community and design, and technology courses) groups, including youth community revenue funding were also involved in building the gig. projects and sheltered housing projects, The project was a vital pilot for future 21 schools and the school instrumental of £4.5 million from work in remote areas, and for the services from both local authorities, took Arts Council of Wales inclusion of technology as a means of part in the 48 workshops and 8 public communicating with schools. concerts. Quicksilver Project: Scottish Ensemble Quicksilver Project: Quicksilver Project: Scottish Ensemble Quicksilver Project: 37 38

‘Masterworks’, Scottish Chamber Ensemble Cymru, based in north Wales, resource for schools. The recording will currently performs approximately six Orchestra Connect’s flagship project, and The Welsh Sinfonia/Y Sinffonia feature actor Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill, Mr. chamber concert series a year and once reaches over 30 secondary schools Gymreig, based in south Wales , are Nice, Harry Potter) and has been accepted a year most of the players come together and tours to six Scottish regions both professional ensembles, serving as one of the ‘Big Give’ projects. for a large orchestral gala concert at St. every year. Since its inception in 1998 audiences across the nation. The former The Ensemble’s mission is both to David’s Hall in Cardiff. this highly popular and adventurous works mostly as a chamber ensemble but promote Wales’ voice past and present Funding models vary greatly across programme has put established classics expands to orchestral size on occasions, in classical music and to ensure isolated different jurisdictions, and local economic and contemporary music under the while the latter has chamber orchestral communities and schools in rural Wales factors affect the range and size of microscope. The project is made work as its principal focus. They have have the opportunity to experience high other investment on offer. But Scottish possible through a number of funding both received lottery funding, but also quality performances of chamber music. and Welsh orchestras are constantly sources, with each local authority undertake significant fundraising and It was shortlisted for a Royal Philharmonic seeking to innovate to find new sources contributing to enable the schools in its income earning activities to enable their Society Music Award in 2006 and featured of income, and to deliver the best value – area to take part. contribution to Welsh cultural life. on BBC2’s Working Lunch. economically, socially and culturally - for ‘Many of my pupils had never been The Welsh Sinfonia has worked with Wales also boasts its own training the welcome public investment which to a classical concert, seen many a foundation in the last year to secure orchestra funded by Arts Council Wales they receive. instruments or appreciated the work funding for their second commission from and a number of charitable trusts and that produces classical performers. a Welsh composer, enabling them to bring foundations. Sinfonia Cymru was Always fantastic to see an Orchestra new music to their communities. founded in 1996 with the principal aim live!’ Ensemble Cymru is Ensemble-in- of providing opportunities for young Music teacher, south Ayrshire school Residence at Venue Cymru (Llandudno) orchestral players to perform at a high a major venue in north Wales; North standard with world class soloists in Wales International Music Festival (St. preparation for the world of professional Asaph); and Bangor University. Headline music. Over the years, the training projects for 2010-2011 include the first orchestra has developed some of the welsh-language recording of Prokofiev’s most outstanding instrumental talent from ‘Peter and the Wolf’ as a classical music all over Wales and beyond. The orchestra Brian Tarr: BBC National Orchestra of Wales concert for pupils from special schools and units concert for pupils from of Wales BBC National Orchestra Brian Tarr: Modern NYO@ NYO at Tate The ABO is the national body representing the collective interests of professional orchestras throughout the UK. We currently have 66 member orchestras and work alongside a variety of organisations that work within and support the orchestral sector. The ABO exists to support, promote and advance the interests and activities of professional orchestras in the UK in order to fulfil our vision for a society where orchestral music is valued as a core component of contemporary culture.

For more information, or to join our mailing list, please contact: Keith Motson: [email protected] 020 7287 0333 Melissa Milner: [email protected] 020 7793 4035 Written and produced by: DHA Communications

For further information on the ABO and its members visit www.abo.org.uk