The proposed closure of the BBC Singers follows a review last year of classical music and the BBC’s role within this. The chamber choir and three orchestras were targeted as part of budget cuts.
Following widespread public outcry (a petition, an open from leading musicians, and videos from thousands of singers), the BBC Singers will now perform at this year’s Proms as originally planned, and the future of the chamber choir is more secure thanks to alternative funding from a ‘number of organisations’ (the identify of which is unclear). The BBC Singers is the UK's only full-time professional chamber choir and celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
The petition ‘Save the BBC Singers’, attracting 150,000 signatures, was started by conductor Jack Apperley: ‘I felt it was important that public opinion should be expressed on this decision that has so many detrimental knock-on effects to the UK’s musical establishment and reputation. The fact that over 150,000 people agree with me and have signed this petition is heartening and clearly demonstrates the importance that the public places on choral singing.’
The corporation also heard from young professionals starting out. In a letter to the BBC, ad hoc member of the BBC Singers Lorna Price explained the challenges facing freelancers and young singers, and what the choir means to them:
‘The BBC Singers have not only been exemplary in their performance but in my audition experience, I have never known a fairer process. Their programming of marginalised groups is unparalleled, and the BBC Singers employ thousands of ad hoc singers and composers every year of all ages.
‘I am 25 and starting out in the world of professional singing ... Straight out of uni, it was my only regular work', she added.
For other BBC performing groups the talk of cuts continues. The corporation has proposed 20 per cent cuts to three English Orchestras: the BBC Concert, BBC Philharmonic and BBC Symphony orchestras, which collectively employ over 250 musicians. The MU is in discussions with the BBC to preserve jobs and ensure that all the performing groups can continue to do what they do best.
Naomi Pohl, MU General Secretary, added: ‘We hope the BBC recognises the real quality and value they [the groups] bring to the UK's music industry, international music makers and fans and BBC Licence fee payers who will be keener than ever to see them in action live and via broadcast. The work they do in music education is also crucial.’
A new BBC strategy seeks to strengthen the corporation’s purpose, delivering the best music to a wider audience and with ‘significant investment in music education’ – current investment is set to be doubled. Autumn 2023 will see the launch of a major nationwide music education offer which aims to reach every school in the UK. Further details will be released over the summer.
