Things to do with a BBC orchestra: make a Neil Young cover
NewsThis is the latest commercial initiative from the BBC Concert Orchestra, under threat from Tim Davie’s anti-cultural cuts.
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What’s wrong with that? They are musicians, they have work and it must be interesting doing new stuff rather than always churning out the old lollipops.
Ah, Old Man is easily an old lollipop.
The BBC Concert Orchestra’s remit includes playing a wide range of music, including contemporary and non-classical music. It appears regularly on Radio 2 as well as Radio 3 and plays the music for lots of BBC TV shows, including the Blue Planet etc.
Playing arrangements of pop and rock music is not a new departure for the BBCCO, but a central part of what it does, and has been doing for years.
It’s an attractive little clip – but it really doesn’t require an orchestra. I fear the Tim Davies of this world will notice that as well…
Ian, maybe you should inform yourself about the astronomical numbers of downloads and views this initiative has attracted.
If anything was to catch Tim Davies’ eye that would be it.
I’d be the last to support dumbing down, but this is the BBC Concert Orchestra. Unless light classical is being erased from its repertoire entirely, this is not news.
Where are people supposed to hear a more-or-less traditional orchestra for the first time? I’ve met kids who have never heard an acoustic instrument played live.
I’m more concerned that for years, BBC orchestras have been using their in-house orchestras- and thus public money – to undercut freelance orchestras by doing sessions within their working hours. And the MU has done nothing about it.
Having worked for BBC orchestras for the last 10 years I can only think of sessions I’ve done which were for BBC productions, such as Blue Planet etc.
What are you talking about?
Not sure what Blue Planet you’re from – but it’s well documented that BBC Orchestras take on commercial recording sessions and have done so for many years.
In the interest of balance they will have to cover Sweet Home Alabama now
The BBC Concert Orchestra has always been the “light music” branch of London’s BBC music ensembles, they always played pops and light orchestral repertoire – mostly, not exclusively. Why not play Neil Diamond?
Old lollipops? That sums you up. Shall we put them on Radio 1 where you can fill your boots? Cretin!