The Musicians’ Union has rejected the use of recorded music in place of a live orchestra at Northern Ballet performances, and says the premise is ‘unacceptable’. The Northern Ballet's decision to replace live orchestral music with recorded soundtracks for some of its touring productions has sparked controversy, provoking strong criticism from the Musicians’ Union,  who asserts that live music is an ‘indispensable component’ of ballet and opera performances. Morris Stemp, The MU Orchestras Official, emphasised the crucial role that live ensembles play in enhancing the audience's experience, saying, ‘Axing the orchestra for recorded music is unacceptable. Audiences deserve the full Northern Ballet experience every time.’

In response to Northern Ballet's decision, the MU is calling upon Arts Council England to negotiate a realistic and sustainable financial package that safeguards the livelihoods of musicians and preserves the nation’s performing institutions. Additionally, the Union is urging the government to provide specific funding for touring and to make orchestral and theatre tax relief extensions permanent.The position of the Northern Ballet Sinfonia, who is facing financial hardship and relying on food banks, underscores the state of funding within the arts in the UK on a broader scale. It was announced today that Birmingham Council would make considerable cuts to its city’s arts organisations, including City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Opera Company and Birmingham Royal Ballet, some of whom are due to have their funding cut by 100% over the next 2 years.

The ‘Keep Northern Ballet Live’ petition has reached almost 15,000 signatures and the Musicians’ Union continues to defend the interests of its members, advocating for the preservation of live music for ballet and opera performances across the UK.