Campaign to keep Northern Ballet’s music live

Musicians from the Northern Ballet Sinfonia have begun campaigning against a proposal to replace them with recordings for some touring work.

Last week, it emerged Northern Ballet is in negotiations to replace its live orchestra with pre-recorded music for some performances in cost-saving efforts as it faces “serious financial trouble”.

In response, Musicians Union (MU) members leafletted outside the ballet’s performances of Beauty and the Beast in Nottingham last week.

An online petition was launched, which currently has over 6,200 signatures, calling on Arts Council England and Northern Ballet to keep the ballet’s music live.

The petition, created by musicians of the Northern Ballet Sinfonia, says orchestra members are “already on freelance contracts”, with some “using foodbanks to survive”.

It continues: “Arts Council England and Northern Ballet: we and the undersigned call on you to get round the table and agree a realistic funding package that will protect our jobs and keep Northern Ballet live”.