BBC Singers breathe easy after reprieve
THE BBC Singers have been saved after the corporation agreed to continue paying their wages and secured the support of a music charity.
When the BBC announced last year that it was scrapping the choir as part of budget cuts, there was a furious backlash from the classical music community.
In an about-turn, the broadcaster will continue to employ the ensemble, saying that they will remain a “core” part of Radio 3 and the BBC Proms.
It will partner with a music education charity, the Voces8 Foundation, on the singers’ education and community engagement programmes, although the BBC said that the foundation is currently making no financial contribution and plans have yet to be worked out.
Announcing the news, the corporat ion said: “The BBC i s pleased to announce it has a sustainable plan for the future for the BBC Singers as an integral part of t he BBC’S classical musical provision, drawing on support from a third party, the Voces8 Foundation.
“BBC Singers staff will continue to be employed by the BBC, with a strong artistic identity, and remain core to BBC Radio 3 and the BBC Proms.”
It added: “The BBC Singers have a busy schedule this year as they mark their centenary, and we will be shining a spotlight on the group as our audience is invited to join their celebrations.”
The BBC said it would “continue to identify new opportunities for additional revenue for the ensemble”.
Members of the group welcomed the news, which follows a year of uncertainty. “Big news. Lots of tears of relief,” said Eleanor Minney, writing on social media. “Much to be discussed still, but this is a good thing.”
The Royal College of Music said it was “thrilled to see the terrific news that the BBC has announced a plan securing the future of the BBC Singers and that they will remain core to the BBC’S classical music provision.”
The Musicians’ Union, which had represented the singers, said in a joint statement with the BBC that there had been “constructive talks over recent months”.
The statement said: “We agree that artistic excellence, having a growing impact in music education, partnerships and operating on a financially stable footing are central to a long-term, sustainable future for all of the BBC’S Performing Groups.
“We are committed to working together to deliver these objectives.”
The BBC also a nnounced last year that it would be cutting roles in three of its six orchestras – the Symphony, Concert and Philharmonic – by 20 per cent.