Musicians Protest Against Northern Ballet’s Plans to Replace Orchestra with Recordings

On Tuesday, May 28, over 50 protesters dressed as William Shakespeare marched on London’s Sadler’s Wells theatre to protest Northern Ballet’s plan to replace its live orchestra with recorded music for touring productions. This demonstration coincided with the opening performance of Romeo and Juliet at Sadler’s Wells, which will not feature live music after June.

The Musicians’ Union (MU) organized the protest, calling on Arts Council England and Northern Ballet to find a funding solution that preserves live music and musicians' jobs. Protesters held placards reading “O Live Music, Where Art Thou?” and “Don’t let live music come to a Bard end.”

Northern Ballet Sinfonia musicians, who are on freelance contracts, have been campaigning since autumn to save their jobs and raise awareness. Many musicians now face financial insecurity, with some relying on food banks. Over 18,000 people have signed a petition to keep live music in Northern Ballet’s productions, with global support using the hashtag #KeepNorthernBalletLive.

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl emphasized the financial struggles of musicians, who earn an average of £20,000 a year, and the potential negative precedent of replacing live music with recordings. She urged immediate financial support for Northern Ballet and highlighted the importance of prioritizing the arts in political recovery plans.

Northern Ballet’s orchestra members and the MU are calling on the public to support their fight to save live music.