BBC Symphony waves goodbye to two players
OrchestrasEnd-of-Proms message from the orchestra:
Last night we bid a very fond farewell to Audrey Henning and Danny Meyer, members of the BBC SO since 1992 & 1986 respectively.
We are so grateful for their remarkable dedication and will miss them, but wish them all the very best for the future!
Audrey tells us: ‘I would like you to know that I have retired from the BBCSO of my own free will and after 40 years as a professional viola player, I feel it is time for younger players to have my job. I have had a wonderful time working with the BBCSO,BBC Philharmonic, Liverpool Philharmonic and the SABC. ‘
It seems at the BBC turning 60 is a sackable offence for full-time employees. It doesn’t sound right to me.
Probably because you’re entirely ignorant of the facts.
The headline might be misleading. They can’t force you to retire at 60 any more, but the pair of them may well have decided that they wanted to go.
They can make you retire with “underhand” methods. I worked, full time, for 47 years in orchestras. At the age of 65 I was told by management, are you still up to it, will you reaudition? I decided it was time to go
Simon Scottl, why would you suggest that they were sacked, or that you know their ages ?
Please read my comment more closely
And I am now the wiser
Perhaps it is the phrasing chosen for the headline of the article. I can’t speak for how the British interpret it, but in American English if someone says your employer retires you, that means you’ve been shown the door. If it is said that you retire, that means you chose to do so. The phrasing means everything.
Agreed. The phrasing is most unfortunate. They have retired, NOT been retired. Very shoddy English!
I don’t think it is right. I heard these retirements discussed on the Last Night broadcast. One had been with the Orchestra for 37 years, the other for 31. It sounded very much as if they had decided to pack up their bows, not at all as if they had been given the push.
They’ve chosen to retire. No retirement age in law now. Interestingly Sir Adrian Boult was forced to retire as chief conductor of the BBCSO when he reached 60 (65?) at the very point when he (and conductors in general) were producing their finest work!
Just to be clear, we decided to retire form the orchestra, not the other way round. There is no mandatory retirement age. Thanks Norman!
Happy Retirement Mr Meyer – it was a shock to hear you on the BBC “Today” programme (which rarely ventures into the classical world) and even more of a shock that it was Garry Richardson doing the interview! I was expecting his Racing tips… I also wondered if the Prommers gave you and Audrey Henning presents. A Happy Retirement to Ms Henning too. No doubt you’ll both be carrying on playing but to a less demanding, and your own, schedule.
You are 100% correct, although this headline will not have helped our freelance prospects! Thanks for your good wishes, it was lovely that Garry did that interview with me. He is a classical music fan, who knew!
Thank you for your comment, Katie. It depends if the Prommers actually knew they were retiring. They would only have thought of bringing presents at their last concert if it was announced in the concert before that they’d be retiring. Anyway, a Happy Retirement to Mr Meyer and to Ms Henning. I’m sure you’ve made an excellent contribution to the BBC SO both at the Proms and elsewhere. As Katie has suggested, I’m sure you won’t just keep your instruments in their cases!
Many thanks for clarifying, Daniel. Audrey also said in the quote that she retired of her own free will. Thank you both for your services to the BBC SO.
Have these musicians chosen to retire or, as the headline suggests, been forced to retire by the BBC?
See response from one of the retirees, above.
It is possible that the BBC gently gave them an option to retire, as maybe younger instrumentalists were waiting in the wings. But being forced to retire: very unlikely.
Aud is one of my best friends and I can assure you it’s by choice
Click bait
I have had the pleasure of sitting next to you Danny and I wish you a long, happy and healthy retirement. Your contribution to music has been enormous and not just on the violin. You will be sadly missed.
I am not sure which of my many lovely colleagues you are, but thank you!
…and I spent many years in the BBCSO with you both. Splendid players and splendid people, both of you. ❤️
Thank you for your wonderful commitment to music!