Many prominent UK musicians have taken to Twitter with their reaction, while an online petition is approaching 20,000 signatures
There has been widespread reaction to the news that the BBC is to disband the BBC Singers.
As we reported yesterday, the BBC has released a new strategy for classical music, which aims ‘to strengthen the BBC’s public purpose for classical music, delivering the best music to a wider audience, with a significant new investment in music education’.
The most significant changes announced were the closure of the BBC Singers (pictured), meaning that around 20 full-time posts will be made redundant.
Based at BBC Maida Vale Studios in London, the BBC Singers is one of the six BBC Performing Groups and features in live concerts, radio transmissions, recordings and education workshops, including annual appearances at the BBC Proms. It is due to celebrate its centenary in 2024.
The strategy also included a planned reduction in salaried posts across the BBC’s three English Orchestras, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra and BBC Philharmonic. There will be a reduction of around 20 per cent of these salaried posts, made through a voluntary redundancy programme, with a greater focus on employing freelance players.
Both decisions have already provoked considerable reaction across the music community.
A petition on change.org, demanding that the BBC reverse its decision to close the BBC Singers, already has more than 19,000 signatures.
Elsewhere, many prominent figures in UK classical music have taken to Twitter to give their views on both the disbanding of BBC Singers and the cuts to the three English BBC orchestras.
Sakari Oramo, chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, said that he was ‘disgusted’ by the announcements, calling the axing of BBC Singers ‘blatant vandalism’. The orchestra redundancies, said Oramo, amounted to ‘a slap to the face of Britain’s orchestra culture and the devoted work of our excellent musicians.’
I am disgusted by the @BBC announcements today. The axing of @BBCSingers is an action of blatant vandalism. The “voluntary” redundancy affecting @BBCSO @BBCPhilharmonic @BBCCO a slap to the face of Britain’s orchestra culture and the devoted work of our excellent musicians.
— Sakari Oramo 🇺🇦 (@oramsa) March 7, 2023
Mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly labelled the announcement a ‘tragic day’ for BBC Singers, just a year shy of the choir’s centenary year in 2024. She called the decision ‘another attack on the Arts’.
Tragic day for @BBCSingers as BBC executives decide, a year shy of the Singers’ centenary to make them all redundant with no participation in @bbcproms 2023. Another attack on the Arts and opportunities for young singers in secure, high-quality work gone.
— Dame Sarah Connolly (@spconnolly) March 7, 2023
Organist, conductor and broadcaster Anna Lapwood posted that she felt ‘devastated and furious’ at the decision to scrap the BBC Singers. ‘How many singers / composers / conductors have they supported & nurtured? What message does this send to young people considering a career in music? No words.’
Devastated & furious at the announcement to scrap the @BBCSingers. How many singers/composers/conductors have they supported & nurtured? How many more have they inspired? What message does this send to young people considering a career in music? No words. https://t.co/d1ckVorG6w
— Anna Lapwood (@annalapwood) March 7, 2023
And Bob Chilcott, composer and former member of the King’s Singers, called the decision to close the BBC Singers ‘shameful’.
Shameful. @BBCSingers is one of the leading advocates of choral music in the world and their budget probably equals one sports presenter’s salary. The BBC corporate spin on it is beyond belief. https://t.co/qVjgLi2gFg
— Bob Chilcott (@bobchilcott) March 7, 2023
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