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The UK's BBC Receives Backlash on New Classical Music Strategy

Alongside significant job cuts, the BBC proposed closing the BBC Singers in order to invest in music education and the longevity of its remaining ensembles

 

Following the 2022 review of its classical music sector, the UK broadcasting company, BBC, has proposed to shut down the BBC Singers and reduce 20% of salaried orchestral posts across the BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC Symphony, and BBC Philharmonic — three of its England-based orchestras. 

In its new strategy for classical music, the BBC outlined its new commitments. These include creating "agile" and "flexible" ensembles that can broadcast from more than 50 locations nationally, doubling the funding for music education, creating a digital platform for all orchestral content, and "reinforcing the distinctiveness" of the BBC's unique orchestras: the Ulster Orchestra and the BBC’s National Orchestra of Wales, National Chorus of Wales, and Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Further, the broadcaster’s planned closure of the BBC Singers — six months before their 100th anniversary — is being credited to its investment in the future of choral singing in the UK and the creation of new outreach programs for emerging artists.

“This is the first major review of classical music at the BBC in a generation,” said BBC’s Chief Content Officer, Charlotte Moore in a press release. “This new strategy is bold, ambitious, and good for the sector and for audiences who love classical music.”

“That doesn’t mean that we haven’t had to make some difficult decisions, but equally they are the right ones for the future," Moore continued.  “Great classical music should be available and accessible to everyone, and we’re confident these measures will ensure more people will engage with music, have better access to it, and that we’ll be able to play a greater role in developing and nurturing the musicians and music lovers of tomorrow.”

Established in 1924, the BBC Singers is the UK’s only full-time professional chamber choir. Many artists and the Musicians’ Union (MU), which supports 30,000 members, are contesting the decision and have taken to social media to address concerns. 

Additionally, a petition through change.org was created, calling for a reversal of the BBC Singers’ closure. Addressed to Moore, the BBC head of orchestras and choirs Simon Webb, general director Tim Davey, and BBC radio controller Lorna Clarke, it has since gained over 100,000 signatories. 

“The BBC Orchestras and Singers ensure that the BBC remains one of the most significant players in the classical music industry,” said MU’s orchestras' organizer Jo Laverty, according to the Guardian. “They also make a crucial contribution in meeting the public purposes of the BBC’s royal charter by providing education and learning, stimulating creativity and cultural excellence…[We do] not think that these proposals are the answer to the BBC’s need to find savings. [Our] key focus will be on working with the BBC to avoid any loss of jobs and challenging them to find alternative solutions.”

As reported by the Independent, the BBC has been in discussion with the MU on its aims, with a spokesperson explaining the BBC’s need to modernize for longevity and respond to the needs of the audience as detailed in the 2022 report.

“Many models have been considered over the past few months, this new classical strategy increases our flexibility and reach, improves our education offer and provides better value to the license fee payer,” the spokesperson said. “The new strategy is ambitious and will, at its heart, improve impact and access to classical music for all, whilst reducing cost.”

In addition, a group of conductors addressed a letter condemning the cuts to salaried positions and the BBC Singers.

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