UK orchestra audiences up by 16% since 2010

28 January 2014, 11:39

Audiences for orchestras in the UK have grown by 16% since 2010 with over 4.5m people now attending an orchestral concert every year, according to a new report by the Association of British Orchestras.

However, despite the encouraging growth in attendance, actual earned income for British orchestras has fallen by 11% over the same time period. The ABO has put this decrease down to audiences plumping for cheaper ticket options in times of financial austerity.

The ABO's survey of the state of British orchestras also concluded that the number of orchestras recording soundtracks for film, TV, streaming and download has more than doubled since 2010.

The survey also pointed out that public funding for orchestras has fallen by 14%, due to further pressure on arts budgets across the country. Donations and sponsorship, however, have gone up by 30%.

More encouragingly, the report states that "UK orchestras now reach over 660,000 children, young people and others in the community in education and outreach sessions".

You can find the full ABO report here.