European Orchestra LABoratory IIEuropean symphony orchestras have had success for 4 centuries connecting directly with audiences through music, immediately reaching hearts and minds by performing classical music. In recent decades that connection has weakened as fewer people are inclined to come to concert halls. The European Orchestra LABoratory aims to enlarge the role of orchestras at the centre of society by taking our inspirational music closer to the people, enhancing quality of life.Starting from a shared vision on new ways of audience development and new business models the orchestras of EO LAB II (supported by scientific research) will develop and test new concepts and exchange knowledge, experience and results across the European orchestra sector.EO LAB II evolves from EO LAB I where 4 orchestras focused on new formats to reach non-traditional concert goers. EO LAB I's strong results have attracted high level new partners for EO LAB II.The role of musicians is critical to the success of the future of orchestras; to achieve a new type of audience development EO LAB II will invert the traditional top down orchestra management model to release the tremendous potential of individual musicians. Selected musicians will become project leaders (with strategic responsibility and funded resources) in targeted communities, collaborating with community ambassadors to bring orchestras closer to society. Orchestra managers will be exposed to new ways to collaborate with their musicians and audiences. It is our strong expectation that these experiments will develop sustainable business models for the future.Partners in EO LAB II are: The Netherlands Symphony Orchestra, Hallé Orchestra, Tonkünstler-Orchester, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Romanian National Symphony Orchestra, Barcelona Symphony Orchestra. Associate partners: BBC Philharmonic, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Odense Symfoniorkester, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra.