Association of British Orchestras Conference - February 2025

Orchestras matter.

As a proud ABO corporate member, we were delighted to head to Gateshead for the Association of British Orchestra’s annual three-day conference, where we joined fellow exhibitors in the marketplace area. The Glasshouse International Centre for Music  is a fantastic venue; such an impressive structure with outstanding facilities.

The small but mighty ABO team had put together a packed agenda with many relevant and probing topics. The opening plenary was reminded of Maestro and composer Pierre Boulez’s wisdom: “An orchestra is an ensemble of possibilities”. No wonder, then, that so many orchestras were represented to discuss, challenge, learn and share views. One of the conference cornerstones was the launch of the #AnOrchestraInEverySchool initiative, a national call that we applaud!

In particular, the workshop about carbon footprint was interesting to us. We were thrilled to know we can play a role in orchestras’ environmentally conscious choices. It was wonderful to note that we printed the conference programme on recycled paper!

For us, conference was an opportunity to listen, meet new faces and catch up with familiar orchestral customers, friends and colleagues- from the LSO and LPO to Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra and even the Glasshouse itself. Our displayed print was admired and prompted lively conversations and interest. “Oh, I worked on that!”, were words heard each day. Quite a few friendly chats reminded that our suite of products and services reaches beyond print, including graphic design, mailing, editorial and partnered distribution and advertising.

Of course, there was also music. The ABO Awards were graced by Royal Northern Sinfonia, who also treated delegates to a fabulous concert the next evening, with none other than pianist  Víkingur Ólafsson- phenomenal!

Delegates left the conference buoyed, connected and inspired- here’s to next year at London’s Southbank Centre!

#JGartsandculture #ABO2025 #MusicThatMovesYou

PS: We’d also like to thank the ABO for organising three days of glorious February sunshine!