The Association of British Orchestras has recently released the results of a survey entitled “Live the Experience:  Concerts Given by ABO Orchestras in England for School Children and Young People.”  The survey, prepared by consultant Fiona Harvey, follows up on a ten-year commitment made by all eight Arts Council England-funded symphony orchestras in 2007 to “perform live for every child during their time at school…working with government and education providers [to] open our orchestras to all children in England.”  

This commitment is not only inspiring in its own right, it has also proven contagious:  in November 2008, the ABO adopted this mission statement as part of its own strategic plan.  The first step?  To map the programming currently taking place, and to identify barriers to access.

We’re excited about this initiative, and we strongly recommend the report to you.  It’s posted on the ABO’s website here.