This morning the ISM has responded to the BBC Statement on future funding of the BBC English Orchestras.

Commenting, Independent Society of Musicians Chief Executive Deborah Annetts said, ‘On the face of it, this announcement looks like a positive move from the BBC, but we will need to see the detail to understand fully how this will impact on the long-term future of the BBC Performing Groups.

There has been an incredible international public outcry about the BBC’s plans to axe the BBC Singer and orchestral jobs which has undoubtedly played a large part in today’s announcement. We remain concerned about the future of the BBC Singers. It is our view that the BBC should take the step of guaranteeing their future within the auspices of the BBC, funded publicly by the BBC.’