BBC cuts to classical performing jobs criticised as ‘utterly devastating’
11.03.2023 - 00:15
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A major musicians’ trade union has described proposed cuts to the BBC’s classical performing groups as “utterly devastating”.
The BBC has announced plans to scrap its in-house chamber choir, the BBC Singers, and reduce salaried orchestral posts across the BBC English Orchestras by around 20pc.
The Musicians’ Union (MU), which represents more than 30,000 members working across the sector, said it was in “urgent talks” with the broadcaster over the plans. The decision to close the BBC Singers will result in the loss of 20 posts, the BBC said.
READ MORE: Girl gang beat up woman outside Tiki bar after one loses false fingernail in toilet brawl
The broadcaster added that the move was part of a plan “to invest more widely in the future of choral singing across the UK” and launch a choral development programme for new talent.
It added that it aims to create “agile ensembles” that can work with “more musicians and broadcasting from more venues – up to 50 – in different parts of the country”.
As part of this plan, those working across three English Orchestras – Symphony, Concert and Philharmonic – will be offered a voluntary redundancy programme to reach the 20% target.
The announcement forms part of a new strategy for classical music which the broadcaster said “prioritises quality, agility and impact”.
MU general secretary Naomi Pohl said: “The BBC is the biggest employer and engager of musicians in the UK and it plays a unique role in the ecosystem of our music industry.
“From Glastonbury to the Proms, from Jools Holland to BBC Radio, its coverage, support and promotion of British musical talent nationally and internationally is unrivalled. It is because we appreciate the BBC’s role so much that these proposed cuts are so