A British orchestra pays its freelancers

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra has lost its summer’s work at Grange Opera, as well as the rest of its season.

Here’s what it’s telling freelance players:

As you know we have already announced the cancellation of our performances up until 5th April. We have now had to make the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of our currently scheduled rehearsals and performances through to the end of this season.

I can confirm that we intend to honour the fee payments for all cancelled or postponed rehearsals and performances up to 30 April. I can confirm that BSO will reimburse out of pocket travel expenses already incurred for work through to the end of the season provided a claim is submitted with all relevant receipts.

Many of you will have, I am sure, seen the news that Grange Festival have cancelled their 2020 season. This work, which is not subject to direct Arts Council funding is therefore dependent on the fee income from Grange. Given Grange have had to cancel this contract with BSO, it is with great sadness that I to have to say we will not be able to pay any fees for this work.