Next BBC plan: Merge two orchestras

There was more going on underneath the radar of yesterday’s heavily-spun decision to abolish the BBC Singers and cut one-fifth of the positions in the BBC’s three orchestras in England – the BBC Symphony, Philharmonic and Concert orchestras. They are seeking 46 voluntary redundancies, 22 percent of the total playing staff.

The vacancies in the ranks will be occupied by freelance musicians, said Simon Webb, the BBC’s head of orchestras and choirs.

One management post has also been scrapped. This means that the BBC Symphony and Concert orchestras, both London based, will be run by the same person, although efforts will be made (it is said) to preserve their separate identities.

Not very energetic efforts, we hear. Word in the wee-rooms is that the BBC will gradually recast the two orchestras as a pool of musicians, leading to a quiet merger and the disappearance of the BBC Concert Orchestra.

This plan is officially denied by senior BBC suits. Read that as you wish.