BBC tones down its orchestra cuts

In the wake of a series of damaging leaks and hostile media reports, the BBC today issued a statement suggesting it is seeking ‘alternatives’ to the announced cuts to its orchestras. Much of the statement is wishful thinking. The director of orchestras has admitted internally that there is little prospect of finding commercial work outside the BBC.

Here’s the statement, for what it’s worth. The change of tone, though, is welcome. It clearly does not come unprompted from the director of orchestras.

Following our recent discussions, we want to confirm that, whilst the BBC needs to make savings, we are committed to working with the Musicians’ Union to explore alternatives to the proposed 20% post closures in the English Orchestras. 

These alternatives will look to create sustainability for our Performing Groups and to deliver the recommendations of the 2022 Classical Review – which are outlined below:

1. We will collaborate more with partners across the UK
2. We will invest more in education
3. We will do more to open up the classical sector as a place to work
4. We will innovate to bring classical music to new audiences

In exploring alternative proposals, we will also invite independent experts from across the sector to work with us and the Musicians’ Union.

In parallel, we remain committed to consulting the Musicians’ Union and other BBC unions on progress regarding the alternative models being proposed for the BBC Singers.