unisono Deutsche Musik- und Orchestervereinigung

unisono – Deutsche Musik- und Orchestervereinigung is the leading professional association and union for professional orchestras and broadcasting ensembles in Germany. Founded in 1952 as DOV, the organization was renamed unisono in October 2022 and currently has around 12,800 members, including musicians in professional orchestras, broadcasting choirs, freelance musicians, as well as lecturers and students of music colleges.

The main mission of unisono is the preservation and further development of the unique orchestral and music scene in Germany. The organization advocates for fair working conditions and equitable remuneration for musicians. unisono is also committed to the cultural and political promotion of orchestras, theaters, and broadcasting choirs and acknowledges the responsibility of the ensembles and their members for the promotion of the next generation of musicians and audiences.

unisono represents the interests of musicians in professional orchestras and broadcasting choirs, freelance musicians, as well as lecturers and students of music colleges. The organization provides support in labor law issues, advocates for the improvement of working conditions, and promotes cultural diversity and the preservation of the orchestral landscape in Germany. Additionally, unisono organizes events such as the German Orchestra Conference and provides a platform for the exchange and networking of members.

unisono is actively committed to sustainability and the preservation of cultural diversity in Germany. The organization has significantly contributed to the recognition of the German theater and orchestral landscape as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Furthermore, unisono advocates for fair fees and remuneration, especially for temporary staff, and makes this transparent nationwide through the "Aushilfenampel." The organization supports the alliance Die Vielen and stands for an open, diverse, and democratic society.

unisono has contributed to the debate on broadcasting fees in a differentiated manner and criticizes populist reform plans. The organization advocates for the equal representation of women in leadership positions in orchestras and supports demonstrations against discrimination and for an open society. unisono continuously works to improve the working conditions and financial security of musicians, as recently demonstrated by the immediate termination of the salary waiver of the Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau.

With a strong network of members and voluntary supporters, as well as a dedicated team at the Berlin headquarters, unisono remains an indispensable player in the German music and cultural landscape.

1. https://uni-sono.org/en/
2. https://uni-sono.org/en/about/
3. https://uni-sono.org/en/about/how-are-we-organized/
4. https://uni-sono.org/en/press/contact/
5. https://uni-sono.org/en/about/our-history/