Conference 2026: Creating Healthy Orchestral Work Environments

Speaker(s): Jane Booth, Head, Guildhall Ignite and Founding Member, Coalition of Musicians for Ethical Change and Virginia Bratton, Professor of Management, Montana State University and Founding Member, Coalition of Musicians for Ethical Change

Orchestra musicians and management dedicate years to achieving artistic excellence and high professional standards. These hard-working artists deserve a safe, supportive environment in which to perform. Yet bullying, sexual misconduct, and the unchecked influence of charisma and stardom continue to undermine wellbeing across the industry. This session explored the cultural roots of these challenges and presents practical tools to address them, drawing on the combined experience of the Coalition of Musicians for Ethical Change and Guildhall Ignite in building healthier orchestral workplaces.

Photo Credit: Amy Raab Photography