The BBC has paused its decision to close the BBC Singers, after "a number of organisations" came forward to offer alternative funding. A temporary reprieve has been granted, as new funding models are explored. You can read the full statement here.
Over 150,000 people signed the petition started by Jack Apperley, asking the BBC to reconsider its plans.
328 choral leaders representing nearly 600 amateur choirs across the UK and abroad signed a letter to the BBC. You can read the letter here.
We're pleased that the choir has not been disbanded, and to hear confirmation that they will be singing at this year's BBC Proms, however a long-term future of the Singers has yet to be announced, and other issues remain, including the decision to cut the three English BBC orchestras by 20%.
The BBC has announced its intention to disband the UK's only full-time, professional choir, The BBC Singers, as well as making 20% of its salaried orchestral players redundant. You can read more about its announcement here.
We believe that to disband this choir is a cultural catastrophe for the UK and one that will affect the international reputation of both the BBC and classical music in this country hugely. We have written to the Chairman and Director-General of the BBC, asking them to abandon their proposal and you can read our letter here.
There have also been numerous reports in the press, including The Observer, The Times and The Guardian. Letters to the BBC Board have been sent by leading conductors and an open letter signed by 700 composers from all over the world.
Sign the letter from choral conductors
A letter has now been drafted by a team of people on behalf of the conductors of all UK choirs, led by Cathy Bell, a London-based singer, working regularly as an alto soloist with choral societies around the UK, and singing as an 'ad hoc' with the BBC Singers for 15 years. You can read the letter here and we hope that you'll add your signature to it at the link here. Please note that the deadline is midday this Friday. The letter will be sent to the BBC on Friday afternoon.
Over 140,000 people have now signed a petition asking the BBC to reverse its decision - it takes just moments to sign here.
Why not send this link out to your choirs and ask them to sign too?
You can write to the Board of the BBC here.
You can write to your MP to ask them to speak out against the cuts. Find out your MP details on the Parliament website.
Again, why not encourage your choir members to do likewise?
The ISM has a template letter here, where you can also find lots more useful information on how you can contribute to the campaign.
Posted: Mon 13th March 2023