Encore or no more? RTÉ to review its orchestras
RTÉ has launched a review of its orchestras as part of its current restructuring plan – but unions have ‘not ruled out’ strike action if there are major cutbacks.
Both orchestras – the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and the the National Symphony Orchestra, which employ 211 musicians – have cost the National Broadcaster €9.41million last year.
RTÉ last night did not want to be drawn on suggestions that the review is just a preamble to a cost-cutting exercise that will lead to job losses. Some fear it will
‘Finances remain challenging’
eventually lead to an amalgamation of the orchestras. RTÉ said last night: ‘Beyond its statutory obligations, RTÉ’s orchestras are integral to RTÉ’s arts and cultural programming, and form a key part of RTÉ’s arts and culture strategy.
‘Through this strategy, RTÉ wishes to extend the reach of its orchestral music, by performing to a wider range of audiences, right across the country, and enhancing broadcast opportunities.’
The review, which will be led by former director of BBC Radio and of BBC News Helen Boaden, is due to be finished by next February. ‘RTÉ’s financial circumstances remain challenging,’ a spokesperson added. ‘Despite this, through its orchestras, RTÉ has and continues to showcase Irish artists, celebrate Ireland’s rich musical heritage, and provides promotional platforms to a wide spectrum of performers.
‘RTÉ wishes to safeguard these activities for audiences into the future.’
Despite being funded each year from the licence fee, less than 4% of the population actually saw them perform last year.
According to RTÉ’s latest annual report, some 184,000 people saw performances by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and the National Symphonic Orchestra. RTÉ has a statutory role under the Broadcasting Act 2009 to ‘maintain orchestras, choirs and other cultural performing groups in connection with the services of RTÉ’.
The Act states this provision must at least ‘have the character of a public service’ and ‘be made available to the whole community on the island of Ireland’.
Siptu organiser, Graham Macken, said: ‘There are a number of vacancies within both orchestras that remain to be filled for quite a considerable time, at this stage.
‘Our members expect these roles and any additional vacancies that may become available as a consequence of the current voluntary exit package to be advertised without delay. Siptu members have warned management that any attempt to unilaterally alter the structures or terms and conditions within the orchestras could trigger a significant opposition. Our members are not ruling out potential industrial action at this stage.’
In its terms of reference for RTÉ’s review, seen by the Mail last night, it states: The review will look at matters pertinent to the good governance of the orchestras, including the appropriateness of the current structure and composition of the orchestra team .... In doing so the review will assess the financial position of each of the orchestras, including structural and employment issues which impact on cost–revenue dynamics.’