skip to main content

The BBC Singers in Their Own Words

BBC Singers explain who they are, what they do, and why the UK’s only full-time professional choir is crucial to the future of classical music.

Published: 20 March 2023 | 5:57 PM Updated: 23 March 2023 | 2:30 PM
Portrait of Ed Price.
Ed Price is the longest serving member of the BBC Singers. Image credit: Jonathan Stewart/The MU.

In a series of new videos for social media, BBC Singers share their stories and explain in their own words why the BBC Singers is an essential part of the classical music sector.

Ed looks at the BBC Singers’ year in work so far

 

More videos will be released in the next few days and weeks. Don’t miss out – follow @WeAreTheMU on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter.

Margaret on her time as a student and how BBC Singers supports freelancers

@wearethemu Episode 2 | Margaret explains what the #BBCSingers meant to her as a student in the 1980s, and what it means now to the students, singers, conductors, composers and hundreds of freelance musicians today. Head to theMU.org to #SaveTheBBCSingers!  👉 Email your MP using the template letter, 👉 Sign the petition to save them 👉 Share your solidarity with #MusiciansUnion members fighting for their jobs and for the future of #ClassicalMusic in the UK.  #WeAreTheBBCSingers #WeAreTheMU #BBCProms #MusicStudents #ClassicalTok #ChoirTok #FreelanceMusician ♬ original sound - WeAreTheMU

You can also follow the #WeAreTheBBCSingers hashtag to get all the latest updates from everyone campaigning to save the group, and many of the singers themselves.

How the BBC Singers support student conductors

Earlier in March, the BBC Singers joined the Royal Academy of Music for a world class conducting workshop. Here, postgrad conducting student Emma Warren shares her experiences working with the performing group and how she would like to work with them in her future:

The MU is working closely with BBC Singers and Orchestras facing job cuts – read the union's summary of the first week of action, and the latest update as the petition to save the BBC Singers reached 120,000 signatures.

 

Show your support - take action now

Take action now to protect BBC Singers and orchestras from the proposed cuts:

Email your MP to support the union’s work for members

Sign this petition to show your support for saving BBC Singers

• Share these asks with family and friends on WhatsApp using this link

• Share the news on social media and ask your followers to email their MPs and sign the petition too.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

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

Close up of a world map with a small German flag pinned into Germany.

VAT on German Ticket Sales: Webinar Recording Available

Watch the recording of our VAT on German ticket sales webinar from November this year. It takes an in-depth look at the issues independent musicians face when selling tickets and merchandise in Germany, both online and at in-person gigs.

Published: 10 December 2024

Read more about VAT on German Ticket Sales: Webinar Recording Available
WNO musicians holding up placards to support the Protect WNO campaign.

MU Welcomes £3.6m Boost for Welsh Arts Sector

Welsh National Opera is set to get the largest share of £3.6 million of new funding to support jobs and touring, following campaigning by Musicians' Union members in the orchestra.

Published: 05 December 2024

Read more about MU Welcomes £3.6m Boost for Welsh Arts Sector