Association of British Orchestras Conference – February 2026

Southbank Centre is home to six resident orchestras, so it made perfect sense for #ABO2026 to be hosted by the mighty London arts complex. As a proud ABO corporate member, we were thrilled to return to conference as a marketplace exhibitor. We also delivered the printed conference programme brochure and attendee badges.

We were, of course, delighted to catch up with the many delegates with whom we already work with, but were also happy to engage in conversation with orchestras who would benefit from our suite of products and services. Thankfully, the many samples on display were helpful reminders of our dedication to the orchestral sector.

There were also intriguing conversations about important topics like artistic programming, artificial intelligence, organisational structures, political polarisation, embedding sustainability and approaches to devolution. In particular, ABO CEO Judith Webster’s call for collective agency and plurality through the lenses of reality, rhetoric and relevance resonated strongly. We also joined eager delegates in uplifting ‘deep dives’ about grassroots community wellbeing initiatives, effective education strategies and audience development in a digital age. There was plenty of networking and even an interactive storytelling workshop that had us feeling like children experiencing the sounds of instruments for the first time – very fun!

The conference programming also celebrated those who made extra special contributions to the sector over the past year by way of the ABO Awards, which culminated in the honouring of London Symphony Orchestra’s Dame Kathryn McDowell – such an impressive career! There was also music… loads of it, courtesy of the inventive #ClassicalMixTape, which allowed delegates and visitors to immerse themselves in rousing music up close and personal in traditional concert settings as well as innovative casual spaces.

🎻 Here’s to Birmingham #ABO2027 🎶