1st International Conference of Orchestras in Berlin

Founded in 1948, the International Federation of Musicians is the international organisation which represents musicians unions, guilds and professional associations. Its aim is to promote, defend and foster the interests performing musicians on a global scale and has members in some 70 countries. For many years now, FIM has been recognised as an NGO by various intergovernmental organisations such as the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), UNESCO and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), but also the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of Europe.

From the 7 to 9 April 2008, FIM is organising the first International Conference of Orchestras in Berlin. The event will have a major global impact and, for the first time, will provide a unique opportunity for musicians from a spectrum of orchestras to share their experiences and points of view, whether they play in symphony or opera orchestras, chamber orchestras or instrumental ensembles.

The events 12 panels followed by open debates will offer an unprecedented occasion for worldwide orchestra musicians to share their experiences, concerns and visions on the varied challenges with which their orchestras and they themselves are faced at the outset of the 21st century.

The first part of the conference will host mixed panels made up of directors and musicians, as well as several invited speakers such as conductor Fabio Luisi (Musical Director, State Opera House of Dresden and Dresdens Staatskapelle, Germany), Tony Hall (CEO, Royal Opera House - Covent Garden, London, UK), Pamela Rosenberg (General Director of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Germany), Tuomas Kinberg (General Director, Lahti Symphony Orchestra, Finland) and Pierre Médecin (President of the Professional Chamber of Opera House Directors, an international organisation whose headquarters are in Paris, France).

So as to facilitate discussions during the conference and provide everyone with food for thought, FIM has carried out an international study on the situation and functioning of orchestras, the results of which will be presented to participants.

Practically all European countries and North America will be represented, together with numerous other countries such as China, Japan, India, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Panama, Uruguay

The International Conference of Orchestras is backed by musicians unions DOV and ver.di (Germany), MFO (Norway) and collecting societies Östig (Austria) and GVL (Germany).

www.fim-musicians.com
Contact: Benoît Machuel, General Secretary