The MU has joined a campaign group with Making Music, ISM, ABO, RCS and ABCD - aiming to overturn the limits of amateur choirs. Photo credit: Shutterstock
Following our previous reports on the restrictions currently imposed on amateur choirs under Step 3 of the Government’s Spring Roadmap, the MU has joined a campaign group with Making Music, ISM, ABO, RCS and ABCD, aiming to overturn the decision that limits amateur choirs to just six people indoors.
A response received by the group states: “Whilst it is for organiser and venues to determine how to operate in accordance with the relevant guidance and regulations, we would remind you that the limits do not apply activity taking place for work or commercial activity.”
Our reading of this, and that of the other campaign group members, is that amateur choirs being paid to perform live or make a recording, or rehearsing specifically towards the performance or recording, can be treated as professionals under the Performing Arts guidance, and are therefore not subject to the six-person indoor limit.
Whilst this may be good news for many choirs, we realise that it will not help everyone. We have approached DCMS to ask what this means for our members who run amateur choirs as a job, and whether the above response means they can resume this work without the limit on numbers. We also continue to campaign for the reduction of restrictions on amateur choirs alongside the wider group.
Take action now and sign the petition calling for non-professional singing in groups of more than six indoors to be permitted.