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BBC Singers to remain open following reprieve

The broadcaster confirms it will not close BBC Singers later this year, after organisations come forward to offer alternative funding.

Patrick Jowett
2 min read

The BBC has announced this morning (24 March) a U-turn on plans to close its in-house choir BBC Singers.

The broadcaster says the development comes after "a number of organisations" came forward to offer alternative funding.

"We have agreed with the Musicians' Union that we will suspend the proposal to close the BBC Singers, while we actively explore these options," the BBC has said in a statement.

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"If viable, these alternative options would secure the future of the ensemble."

Plans to axe the UK’s only fully-time professional chamber choir were revealed a fortnight ago, alongside reductions to three of the broadcaster’s orchestras, as part of wider cost-cutting measures.

Since the initial announcement, the intended cuts have been widely criticised by industry professionals, with an online petition calling for the closure of BBC Singers to be reversed receiving over 145,000 signatures.

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl commented: "the outpouring of love for the BBC Singers and Orchestras over the past few weeks has been incredible and we know our members are hugely grateful for all the support they've received. 

"We hope the BBC recognises the real quality and value they bring to the UK's music industry, international music makers and fans and BBC Licence fee payers who will be keener than ever to see them in action live and via broadcast. 

"The work they do in music education is also crucial. They are frankly irreplaceable."

London's Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, Justine Simons, said: “I'm pleased that the proposal to close the BBC Singers has been suspended, and welcome this news from the BBC and the Musicians Union.

"This world-renowned London-based ensemble is a symbol of our country’s creative talent and we must do all we can to keep them. I'm looking forward to them playing an exciting role in BBC Music's move east as part of East Bank – our exciting new cultural and education district in east London.”