BBC partners with VOCES8 Foundation to maintain BBC Singers

The BBC has today released a statement confirming that it has developed ‘a sustainable plan for the future for the BBC Singers’ in partnership with choral music education charity the VOCES8 Foundation. The broadcaster also confirmed it will continue to work with the Musicians’ Union (MU) to ‘consider opportunities’ for the BBC’s orchestras.

Following exploration of potential solutions for the Singers announced last June, today’s statement confirmed the group will continue to be employed by the BBC and play a pivotal role at the Proms and on BBC Radio 3. The new plan sees the BBC partner with the VOCES8 Foundation, the organisation behind choral groups including VOCES8, Apollo 5 and new ensemble Lyyra, which also runs VOCES8 Studios, Records and Publishing.

According to today’s statement: ‘This partnership builds on the valuable education and community work the BBC Singers already deliver across East London, as well as the commercial work already undertaken, and we will continue to identify new opportunities for additional revenue for the ensemble. The BBC Singers have a busy schedule this year as they mark their centenary, and we will be shining a spotlight on the group as our audience is invited to join their celebrations.’

The broadcaster has also provided an update on its plans for the BBC’s orchestras, confirming that it has been ‘working closely’ with the MU to consider options, but this will be a ‘gradual process’. As well as confirming the broadcaster is pursuing an Orchestral Tax Relief application, today’s statement also mentions a ‘review to modernise terms and conditions making sure these are aligned with the BBC’s principles of fairness and transparency.’

The BBC and the MU said: ‘The BBC and the MU have engaged in constructive talks over recent months. We are pleased that we have a strategy which secures the future of the BBC Singers, and we look forward to celebrating their centenary year. We agree that artistic excellence, having a growing impact in music education, partnerships and operating on a financially stable footing are central to a long term, sustainable future for all of the BBC’s Performing Groups. We are committed to working together to deliver these objectives and will continue constructive discussions with the review of terms and conditions.’