Today the BBC has announced that as part of its “New strategy for Classical Music” it will be disbanding the BBC Singers - the only full-time professional choir in the UK. 

The BBC Singers’ roots can be traced back to 1924. Based at the BBC’s Maida Vale Studios, the choir also gives free concerts at a number of venues across London and makes regular appearances at major festivals across the UK and beyond, with the vast majority of its performances broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

The number of people affected by the planned closure of the UK’s only full-time professional choir is significant. Firstly there are the 20 professional singers and additional administrative staff whose jobs and livelihood will be taken away. The BBC Singers have a proud history of commissioning new works from contemporary composers - from the BBC Christmas Carol Competition to other commissions from established and promising composers. This important work would be lost. 

The choir does an incredible amount of outreach work in schools and other educational institutions, providing singing days and masterclasses to young singers and conductors from all backgrounds. 

With your support we will be calling on Charlotte Moore - BBC Chief Content Officer and Simon Webb - BBC Head of Orchestras and Choirs to reconsider this devastating and damaging decision to disband the BBC Singers.