News – Orchestral pay crisis

More than 85% of musicians contracted to British orchestras have to take on work outside their orchestral commitments in order to make ends meet, according to a new survey. Moreover, 50% of respondents to the Musicians Union (MU) survey said that the amount of non-orchestral work that they take on has increased in the last three years.
The survey found that the average gross annual income for non-principal orchestral players is £22,500, less than the typical value of their instruments. The research has led musicians? leaders to suggest the poor wages could have a detrimental effect on Britain?s orchestral future. John Smith, MU General Secretary, said ?At a time when there is a boom in live music and a growth in interest in classical performance, it appears that the performers? recompense does not reflect the income they help generate at the box office.?