BBC Orchestras Receive Pay Rise

The five BBC orchestras will now become the first regional contracted ensembles in the UK to offer a full-time salary exceeding £40,000 — specifically £41,104.

These five ensembles are the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Concert Orchestra, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

As early as the Orchestras Department meeting in 2022, a consensus had already been reached that the target salary for full-time players should be £40,000. Orchestra teams have since been working toward this goal through collective bargaining efforts.

Jo Laverty National Organiser Orchestras said "The acceptance of the recent pay offer marks a significant milestone for the BBC Performing Groups.

“With the Tutti salary now exceeding £40,000, we honour a collective aspiration first articulated in 2022. This achievement reflects the strength of our shared commitment and the objectives of our members."

Alex Gascoine, Chair MU BBC Performing Groups Committee said; “The UK boasts some of the best orchestras in the world yet it has long been understood that the salaries of the musicians are too low. Their pay does not reflect the value, expertise and talent these great players bring to making music for our audiences.

“I am pleased that at long last, the lowest paid musician working full-time for the BBC will now earn over £40,000 per annum. However, I urge all other orchestra managements and contributors to the arts and music to do everything in their power to improve salaries in their own orchestras and ensembles.

“If we are to continue to attract the best players to join our orchestras, musicians must be able to earn a sustainable salary and have the value of their work acknowledged.”