Hard times for the BBC’s Simon Webb

At yesterday’s regular meeting between BBC executives and the Musicians Union, the BBC’s head of orchestras and choirs Simon Webb found himself sidelined by a more senior official who was sent by head of content Charlotte Moore to calm the turbulent waters.

The meeting took place at the Orbit Tower (pictured) in London’s Olympic Park. No-one jumped. Nothing was decided. Much was said about savings required in straightened times.

Last week, Webb attended Stephen Maddock’s farewell party at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra where he worked for five and a half years as director of orchestral management. We understand from those present that quite a few musicians made a point of sending him to Coventry. Feelings still run high about his plan to abolish the BBC Singers and merge two BBC orchestras in one London pool.