and orchestras:

The ISM remains concerned ab out the long-term future of the BBC Singers and orchestras despite the BBC’s announcement that it is pausing proposals to disband the Singers and cut 20% of positions in the BBC’s three English orchestras.

After an international outpouring of support for the Singers, led by the ISM and other organisations, the BBC is now exploring alternative options to funding the Singers and orchestras. The ISM has welcomed the decision, but says the future of the BBC performing groups is still uncertain. We believe that the BBC should guarantee that the Singers will remain under the auspices of the BBC and funded publicly by the BBC.

Deborah Annetts said, ‘On the face of it, this announcement looks like a positive move from the BBC, but we will need to see the detail to understand fully how this will impact on the long-term future of the BBC Performing Groups.’

We encourage ISM members to continue expressing their support for the BBC Singers and orchestras. You can write to the BBC and your MP using template letters on the ISM website: ism.org /news/takeaction-against-bbc-cuts-to-classical-music