How Much Does Each Player Earn From Being in the London Symphony Orchestra?

By Michael Ferguson

Have you ever wondered how much musicians in the London Symphony Orchestra earn? Well, wonder no more! In this article, we’ll take a look at the salaries of each player in the orchestra.

The London Symphony Orchestra

The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) is one of the world’s leading orchestras. Founded in 1904, it has been based at the Barbican Centre in London since 1982. The LSO is made up of around 95 musicians who are all highly skilled and talented.

Salaries

The salaries of the musicians in the LSO vary depending on their position within the orchestra and their experience. According to sources, here’s a breakdown of what each player earns:

  • Concertmaster: The concertmaster is typically one of the highest-paid members of an orchestra. In the case of the LSO, it’s reported that they can earn up to £200,000 ($265,000) per year.
  • Section Leaders: The section leaders in each section (violin, viola, cello, etc.) can earn between £100,000-£150,000 ($132,000-$198,000) per year.
  • Musicians: Musicians who are not section leaders can expect to earn between £60,000-£90,000 ($79,000-$119,000) per year.

It’s worth noting that these figures are estimates and may not be completely accurate. Salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience and length of service with the orchestra.

Additional Income

In addition to their base salary, members of the LSO can also earn additional income from other sources. For example:

  • Recording royalties: The LSO is one of the most recorded orchestras in the world, and its members can earn royalties from recordings that they participate in.
  • Concerto fees: Musicians who perform as soloists with the orchestra can earn additional fees for their performances.
  • Tours: The LSO regularly tours both nationally and internationally, and musicians can earn additional income from these tours.

In Conclusion

Being a member of the London Symphony Orchestra is a highly prestigious and rewarding job. While salaries vary depending on position and experience, all members are highly skilled musicians who have dedicated their lives to their craft. We hope this article has shed some light on what it’s like to be a member of one of the world’s leading orchestras.