UK classical orchestra audiences have risen by 16 percent since 2010 with more than 4.5 million people now attending concerts every year, a new survey has revealed.
Research from the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) showed that orchestras now reach more than 660,000 children and young people in education and outreach sessions.
The number of orchestras’ recordings made available for film, TV, streaming and download has more than doubled since 2010.
Despite the positive findings, the survey also showed that public funding for orchestras has fallen by 14 percent due to pressures on arts budgets across the UK.
Michael Eakin, chief executive of Liverpool Philharmonic and chair of the ABO, said: ‘Britain’s orchestras are doing better than expected in difficult circumstances. They are reaching a growing number of people in concerts and performances, and taking music to hundreds of thousands of children and others in the community.
‘But funding cuts and falling income from tickets and hires are making it harder and harder for our orchestras to protect their core product: their world-leading artistic excellence. So far, they have succeeded in increasing donations and sponsorship to partly plug the hole, and most have been able to keep their head above water for another year.’
Further findings from the survey revealed that more than 2,000 musicians have full-time or regular positions at UK orchestras, with another 8,400 opportunities for extra or deputy players.
British orchestras were also found to have toured around 35 countries outside the UK in 2013, including China, Poland, Russia, South Korea and the US.
Visit the ABO website to find out more about their research.
Research from the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) showed that orchestras now reach more than 660,000 children and young people in education and outreach sessions.
The number of orchestras’ recordings made available for film, TV, streaming and download has more than doubled since 2010.
Despite the positive findings, the survey also showed that public funding for orchestras has fallen by 14 percent due to pressures on arts budgets across the UK.
Michael Eakin, chief executive of Liverpool Philharmonic and chair of the ABO, said: ‘Britain’s orchestras are doing better than expected in difficult circumstances. They are reaching a growing number of people in concerts and performances, and taking music to hundreds of thousands of children and others in the community.
‘But funding cuts and falling income from tickets and hires are making it harder and harder for our orchestras to protect their core product: their world-leading artistic excellence. So far, they have succeeded in increasing donations and sponsorship to partly plug the hole, and most have been able to keep their head above water for another year.’
Further findings from the survey revealed that more than 2,000 musicians have full-time or regular positions at UK orchestras, with another 8,400 opportunities for extra or deputy players.
British orchestras were also found to have toured around 35 countries outside the UK in 2013, including China, Poland, Russia, South Korea and the US.
Visit the ABO website to find out more about their research.
