skip to main content

BBC Announce BBC Singers Will Not be Closing on 30 September

Following intense discussions with the MU, a petition reaching over 120,000 signatures, and musicians and supporters rallying against the proposed job cuts, the announcement comes as very welcome news.

Published: 24 March 2023 | 10:47 AM
Tall green glass building with the letters BBC spelt out on the front, Portland Place in London
“The weeks since the BBC's announcement have impacted all the individuals affected in the most brutal way.” Photo credit: Shutterstock

Following intense discussions with the MU over the last few weeks, the BBC have announced today that they will not be closing the BBC Singers on 30 September.

The BBC Singers will resume their rightful place in this year's Proms programme and we will be entering into consultation with the BBC to ensure the ensemble has a secure and extremely bright future.

We will also be talking to the BBC about the BBC Concert Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra and we will be fighting against the proposed 20% cuts.

Recognising that they are irreplaceable

Jo Laverty, MU National Organiser Orchestras, said:

"The weeks since the BBC's announcement have impacted all the individuals affected in the most brutal way. We are right behind every member affected, and as we enter negotiation we will be consulting our members in the Singers and BBC Orchestras to ensure the outcome is as positive as possible for them all."

Naomi Pohl, MU General Secretary, said:

"The outpouring of love for the BBC Singers and Orchestras over the past few weeks has been incredible and we know our members are hugely grateful for all the support they've received.

“We hope the BBC recognises the real quality and value they bring to the UK's music industry, international music makers and fans and BBC Licence fee payers who will be keener than ever to see them in action live and via broadcast. The work they do in music education is also crucial. They are frankly irreplaceable."

Find out more about the threat that the BBC’s proposals to axe the BBC singers presented to hundreds of freelancers across the UK, in particular young, early career musicians.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Birdseye view of feet staring down at an EU flag on the ground, representing a border.

EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

The MU welcomes early signs of progress on cultural mobility at the first EU-UK Summit, including youth mobility and faster border access, but calls for further action to ensure musicians are properly supported in post-Brexit negotiations.

Published: 21 May 2025

Read more about EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members
A hand pressing an online vote button.

Vote in the MU Delegate Election 2025

Members in Scotland & Northern Ireland, Wales & South West England and North Of England regions have the chance to vote in the online ballot for who represents their region at Delegate Conference 2025.

Published: 21 May 2025

Read more about Vote in the MU Delegate Election 2025
Close up of male musician busking on the street, playing an acoustic guitar and singing into a microphone.

MU Members Urged to Challenge Birmingham’s Busking Ban

MU members are being urged to challenge Birmingham’s busking ban by responding to the council’s consultation and logging their objections to the proposed new Public Space Protection Order by Sunday 25 May 2025.

Published: 20 May 2025

Read more about MU Members Urged to Challenge Birmingham’s Busking Ban