“This is a significant step for the MU in ensuring that our choral colleagues working alongside world-class orchestras are engaged on equally favourable terms and conditions". Photos: Shutterstock.
The Union is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Choral Stewards.
Ed Price joins as the MU Steward for the BBC Singers, while Ruth Kiang takes on the role of Roving Steward, primarily supporting the freelance Ad Hoc Singers working with the BBC Singers, as well as choral singers across the sector.
Our members’ passion continues to drive progress across the industry
Jo Laverty, MU National Organiser for Orchestras said:
“This is a significant step for the MU in ensuring that our choral colleagues working alongside world-class orchestras are engaged on equally favourable terms and conditions. It strengthens our position in campaigning for change across the arts sector and ensures no one is left behind.
“We have seen the power of union solidarity in action—particularly with the BBC Singers, where members successfully campaigned to save the group from closure in 2023. The BBC Singers are a vital part of the BBC Performing Groups, and thanks to our members, they not only survived but are now thriving.
“We have joint recognition with fellow arts union Equity to negotiate the BBC agreement covering the engagement of freelancers working with the BBC Singers. This has led us to appoint our first Roving Steward for choral singers, a member led initiative that has proven successful in the orchestral sector. We know Ruth has the passion to champion her colleagues and amplify their voices within the Union, to management and the wider sector.
“Positive change is already underway with initiatives like the Inclusive Recruitment Project and the recent success at the BBC Orchestras, where tutti players achieved salaries over £40k. While systemic issues with reduced or stagnating arts funding models remain, our members’ passion continues to drive progress across the industry.”
Meet your Choral Stewards
Ruth Kiang, MU Roving Steward for Choral Singers
Ruth Kiang has established herself as a major presence in the choral industry, working as a prominent choral fixer, consultant, and performer. She fixes singers for the Academy of Ancient Music, London Early Opera, Polyphony, Sonoro, and The Hanover Band. She is also Associate Director of Cambridge Handel Opera Company. She has significant industry experience as a freelance singer and has maintained an active performing career with many leading ensembles for the past 20 years.
Her career in performance and management has given her an understanding of both sides of the industry, which has been invaluable for speaking up for singers’ rights and working conditions.
Ruth is thrilled to be the MU’s first Roving Steward for Choral Singers and Rep for BBC Singers’ Ad Hoc Singers. She believes it is crucial that freelancers have a safe space to discuss any concerns in the workplace. She is committed to ensuring that the industry promotes transparency, consistent fees reflecting industry standard, access, and a culture of meritocracy. Vist www.choralconsultancy.com and www.ruthkiang.com.
Edward Price, MU Steward for BBC Singers
Ed Price joined the BBC Singers in 2001 as a baritone, shortly after graduating university where he'd been a member of the choirs of Clare and Kings College, Cambridge. He has spent the last 24 years working with the most amazing singing colleagues, orchestras, conductors and composers performing the huge range of repertoire for which the Singers are renowned.
He’s glad to say his enthusiasm for the job has not waned, in fact he relishes the new challenges that appear week in, week out. Such a new challenge is taking on the role of MU Steward, which he’s very excited to be doing. Ed has been the Singers' spokesperson on two occasions, and in that role he relished helping the whole operation function as well as being a bridge between singers and management.
In his new role as Steward he wants to build on that by bringing a positive, solution-based approach, while ensuring that his colleagues are given the best possible conditions to deliver excellence to audiences.