LSO conductor steps down to boost ensemble’s diversity

‘There is a need to explore opportunities to bring in new vocal leaders drawn from different backgrounds’

THE London Symphony Orchestra has parted ways with a long-serving conductor as the ensemble seeks to tackle “diversity, racism and representation”.

David Lawrence, who led the organisation’s youth-focused Discovery Choir for 10 years, has “agreed to step down” to make way for people from different “ethnic, cultural and musical backgrounds”.

A letter from the London Symphony Orchestra to members of the choir stated: “After nearly ten years at the helm of the LSO Discovery Senior Choir, David Lawrence has agreed to step down from this position.

“David and the LSO recognise that there is a need to explore opportunities to bring in new vocal leaders drawn from different and diverse ethnic, cultural and musical backgrounds, in order to support the necessary changes in the music sector to tackle issues of diversity, racism and representation.”

The Discovery Choir is aimed at encouraging young people across London to get involved in choral singing, and the group for 11 to 18-year-olds has been led by Mr Lawrence for a decade.

But his contract has now come to an end, it is understood, and the LSO is set to advertise for a new conductor as the orchestra pursues a new direction.

Figures involved with the LSO’s chorus are understood to be concerned about the changes taking place at the orchestra based at the Barbican Centre, which receives public funding through Arts Council England.

Some have raised concerns that a push for diversity will have a detrimental effect on the LSO’s choral groups, while others have suggested that this focus on diversity is a “smoke screen” for deeper issues with the ensemble.

Discontent at the departure comes as choristers voiced their concern about severe cuts to the LSO’s choirs, which have led to Christmas performances being dropped in favour of gospel events.

Singers have stated that “the choir’s important work and legacy are now in jeopardy”, adding: “The LSO says on its website that ‘all music starts with singing’. It is difficult to think that the LSO still believes this.”

The LSO has said that it is under financial pressure and has been forced to make cuts and refocus the work of its Community and Discovery choirs.

But singers have complained to LSO leadership that they were not consulted on proposed cuts, and argued any financial savings would be minimal, compared with the £10million turnover of the ensemble.

Choir members have asked LSO leadership to rethink the plans and insisted on being able to make decisions jointly with management.