BBC Orchestras and Singers refers collectively to a number of orchestras, choirs and other musical ensembles, maintained by the BBC.
All of the BBC’s Orchestras and Singers record performances primarily for BBC Radio 3, with the exception of the BBC Concert Orchestra which also has a dual role shared with BBC Radio 2. Recordings are either taken from one of around 400 live concerts each year with an audience,[1] or from studio sessions.
Unusually for BBC departments, all of the ensembles also take part in a number of non-broadcast activities, including festival appearances and international touring, and in education work within their regional communities.
In 2012, John Myerscough was commissioned to report on potential financial savings of the BBC’s Orchestras and Singers. He recommended no more than 10% budget cuts, highlighting the ensembles' successful range of work.[4]
In March 2021, it was announced that the BBC Concert Orchestra would relocate to a new city "outside of the M25",[5] as part of wider BBC announcements redistributing hundreds of jobs outside of London.[6][7]
In March 2023 the BBC announced plans reduce salaried orchestral posts across the BBC Symphony, Concert and Philharmonic orchestras by around 20% and close the BBC Singers.[8] After protests by the Musicians Union and the broader musical community the BBC said in April that it would seek alternative ways of finding financial savings that would seek to sustain the future of BBC performing groups.[9]
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Logos of the BBC Orchestras and Choirs BBC Big Band (not BBC-funded)
BBC Dance Orchestra (1928–1952, formed as the London Radio Dance Band in 1926, became the BBC Showband in 1952 and the BBC Big Band in 1964)[10]
BBC Empire Orchestra (1934–1939, part of BBC Empire Service, now the BBC World Service; orchestra conducted by Eric Fogg)[11]
BBC Midland Orchestra (1934–1941, became the BBC Midland Light Orchestra, 1941–1973 and the BBC Midland Radio Orchestra, 1973–1980).[12]
BBC Military Band (originally the BBC Wireless Military Band, 1927-43. Gerrard Williams was staff arranger and it was conducted by Bertram Walton O'Donnell from 1927 to 1937, when his brother Major P.S.G. O'Donnell took over.
BBC Northern Orchestra (1934–1982, formed out of the 2ZY Orchestra (1922), Northern Wireless Orchestra (1926) and Northern Studio Orchestra (1930), renamed the BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra in 1967, became the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in 1982
BBC Northern Singers (1954–1992, became The Britten Singers)[14]
BBC Opera Orchestra (formed 1949, reformed as the BBC Concert Orchestra, 1952)
BBC Radio Orchestra (1964–1991, formed from the amalgamation of the BBC Revue Orchestra and the BBC Variety Orchestra)
BBC Salon Orchestra (1939–1942), based initially at Evesham, Worcestershire and then in Bristol, conducted by Leslie Bridgewater, led by Jean Pougnet and featuring 20 players including Leon Goossens, Rae Jenkins, Reginald Kell, Anthony Pini, Frederick Riddle and David Wise. It played light music in mostly studio broadcasts, aimed at boosting wartime morale.[15]
