Congratulations everyone!

Following our efforts and persistent pressure, the BBC announced today that they are “exploring alternative funding models” for the BBC Singers and that the closure of the group is temporarily “suspended.” They have also confirmed that the BBC Singers will be at the BBC Proms in the Royal Albert Hall later this summer. 

Here is the BBC’s statement in full.

A positive first step we need to keep up the pressure! 

What happens next?

The Musician’s Union and the BBC are opening talks next week about the BBC Singers’ long term future. There is also the issue of the proposed 20% cuts to full time salaried players in the 5 BBC Professional Orchestras which the BBC have not commented on but it is hoped that the recent news from the Chancellor’s budget concerning Orchestra and Theatre tax relief will help this. There is still a long way to go, but today is a good day. 

What about the petition?

The petition will close early next week and will be formally presented to the BBC when the talks between the corporation and the Musicians’ Union begin. 

We need to keep pushing to get over 150,000 signatures by the end of the weekend! 

Press coverage

BBC News - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-65063238

The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/24/bbc-singers-u-turn-decision-scrap-chamber-choir-public-outcry

The Telegraph - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/03/24/bbc-proms-singers-uturn/

Thoroughly Good blog - https://blog.thoroughlygood.me/2023/03/24/bbc-back-tracks-on-bbc-singers-proposal/

Please continue to Share this petition to get us over the magical 150,000 target!

Jack Apperley