Chamber orchestras set out 2020 vision

 A 10-year strategy outlining how professional ensemble orchestras can contribute to the cultural life of the nation envisages chamber orchestras becoming “the primary vehicle for putting orchestral music at the heart of every community”, and highlights their “unique flexibility” which will enable them to provide live concert experiences for people in “more villages, towns and counties”. ‘A 2020 Vision for Chamber Orchestras’, published by the Association of British Orchestras (ABO), sets out five key ambitions, starting with the need to challenge preconceptions about orchestras and orchestral music by exposing new audiences to new music in new ways. It specifically emphasises the importance of commissioning new music and of increasing educational and outreach work, giving more children the opportunity to engage and participate with orchestras. It also sees chamber orchestras as playing a greater role as cultural ambassadors within the UK and abroad.