BBC to Consult Musicians’ Union on Alternative Models for Cuts to English Orchestras and BBC Singers

In a communication sent from the BBC to the Musicians’ Union (MU) on Apr. 13, 2023, the broadcaster confirmed it will work collaboratively with the MU to explore alternatives to the proposed 20 percent post closures in the English Orchestras. Furthermore, the broadcaster agreed to consult the Union concerning alternatives that are being proposed for the BBC Singers after causing {…}

Mar 24, 2023

BBC Singers Saved from Chopping Block

The BBC Singers are off the budget chopping block, for now. In a statement published on the BBC website, the BBC stated that several organizations proposed alternative funding. “We have agreed with the Musicians’ Union that we will suspend the proposal to close the BBC Singers, while we actively explore these options. If viable, these alternative options would secure the {…}

Mar 17, 2023

Fallout Continues Over Disbanding BBC Singers

The fallout of the BBC’s decision to disband the 100-year-old vocal ensemble isn’t quieting. If anything it’s getting louder. 700 composers have written to Tim Davie, the BBC General Director, stating in no undertain terms their feelings on the matter. In an open letter, the composers state, “You say you are looking for agility and flexibility in your future choral {…}

Mar 10, 2023

Brindley Sherratt Weighs in on BBC Singers Getting the Axe

Photo: Gerard Collett In a heartfelt article published by The Guardian, renowned bass Brindley Sherratt expressed his disappointment over the BBC’s decision to dismantle the BBC Singers. Sherratt, who spent 13 years with the group, described his experience as nothing short of exceptional and praised the supreme level of musicianship he encountered while singing with the ensemble. “The audition was {…}

Mar 8, 2023

Insult to Injury: BBC Singers Cut from Proms; Gathers 24,000 Signatures on Change.org

Adding insult to injury, the BBC Singers, which will be dissolved as part of the BBC’s new classical music initiative will not even get a Proms send-off. For over 100 years, the Singers have participated in the festivities, but under the new initiative, the group will be disbanded the week before Proms begin. People within and without the classical music {…}

Mar 7, 2023

BBC Singers Shuttered as Part of a New Strategy for Classical Music in the UK

Photo: Mark Allan Citing the need for agility, the BBC has unveiled a new strategy to bolster it’s purpose for classical music, and it’s causing quite a stir. The BBC will invest in choral singing across the UK, but that decision shutters the BBC Singers, eliminating 20 jobs. On the orchestral front, the BBC aims to create agile ensembles. However, {…}