Page 82 - RPS Awards 2023 Coverage Book

'The BBC has been at the heart of the UK’s classical music industry for over 100
years. In that time our mission has always remained the same: to bring the highest
quality music to the widest possible audiences. It has guided our every move from
taking over the running of the Proms 95 years ago to bringing the BBC Concert
Orchestra together with Stormzy last month for Radio 2’s Piano Room.

'In my first two months in this new role I have visited each of our orchestras and
choirs, heard them rehearse, record and perform at the highest level, from
workshops in schools with the BBC Singers, to recording soundtracks at BBC
National Orchestra or Wales, from a profoundly moving Mahler 6 from the BBC
Scottish Symphony to a typically eclectic programme of Birtwistle, Dutilleux and
Ravel at the BBC Philharmonic.

'Szymanowski’s third symphony with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus,
preceded by Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante performed by two BBC New Generation
Artists Johan Dalene and Tim Ridout, brought together our brilliant amateur
musicians of the chorus with one of our world class orchestras and demonstrated our
commitment to developing young talent. And every concert performance available to
everyone on BBC Radio 3.

'But staying true to our mission can never mean standing still. In fact, it must mean
the opposite. Part of my role as the BBC’s Head of Orchestras and Choirs is to
ensure we keep working to bring the full weight of that mission to bear on the times
we live in, and keep making the changes that are needed to serve our audiences
and our partners better. We also have to understand our place in the wider music
ecology of the UK. These are challenging times financially, including for the BBC as
a public service broadcaster as we carve out our role in a rapidly changing world.
The BBC has a clear strategy, articulated as Value for All, and we all have a
responsibility to find our way to deliver that strategy, to deliver for audiences across
the UK.

'That’s why the BBC yesterday announced an ambitious new strategy for classical
music. It is designed to ensure that every single penny of licence fee funding works
as hard as it can for the sector, and for audiences who love and appreciate classical
music.

'We want to be able to work with more musicians, and broadcast from more venues,
in all parts of the country. That will mean more opportunities for freelance musicians
in our English orchestras, and fewer salaried posts. It’s a change that keeps the BBC
in line with the industry standard, freelance and salaried musicians working together,
but it also realigns us with the founding spirit of the BBC ensembles as flexible
performing groups.

'This increased agility will allow us to take our orchestras to venues and locations
they have never been before. We plan to perform and broadcast from up to 50 new
venues from the 2024/25 season, breaking down barriers and connecting with future
lovers of classical music in communities all around the UK.