Page 96 - RPS Awards 2023 Coverage Book
P. 96
13 March 2023
What caused the axe to fall on the BBC
Singers?
The announcement of the closure of the BBC Singers - the UK's only full-time
professional choir - has caused widespread anger and dismay. Ronald
Corp thinks the decision takes no account of the value of a cherished cultural
asset.
BBC Singers performing at the BBC Proms
Photo:
Chris Christodoulou
Why axe the BBC Singers? Who made this decision and what drove it? It comes after a major
review of classical music provision by the BBC. Yes, we can all read the accompanying
justification and we realise that the BBC needs to save money, but it is not obvious that real
thought has been put into what happens when the Singers are gone.
In a rather cruel move, I gather they were told only a few days ago that they won’t be
appearing in this year’s Proms. Founded in 1924, they are just short of their centenary. What a
tragedy.
