BBC proposes to move orchestra to Nottingham

A new proposal has been aired in talks between the BBC and the Musicians Union on reducing the broadcaster’s classical headcount and finding other sources to finance its orchestras.

Nottingham is one possibility.

The MU’s Naomi Pohl thinks the talks are stalled.

An update on @BBCSingers @BBCPhilharmonic @BBCCO & @BBCSO. We had a positive meeting with the BBC yesterday. Great to meet @classicjacko in his new role and I feel progress is being made. That said…

— Naomi Pohl (@NaomiPohl) May 17, 2023

We aren’t out of the woods yet! The BBC Performing Groups are run on a tight budget so there aren’t easy savings to be found. We are discussing income generation & how the BBC can get maximum value from recordings of the groups for example.

— Naomi Pohl (@NaomiPohl) May 17, 2023

Our members in the English BBC Performing Groups remain concerned & it is crucial we ensure there are concrete plans for them which will avoid job cuts or further calls for savings. We need this soon because the situation is deeply stressful & unsettling for them.

— Naomi Pohl (@NaomiPohl) May 17, 2023