BBC reverses plan to axe BBC Singers choir

The BBC has unveiled a plan that it says "secures the future" of the BBC Singers, its in-house chamber choir, which had been threatened with closure.

Last year, the broadcaster caused an outcry in the classical music world when it decided to axe the group, with the loss of 20 jobs, to cut costs.

However, the BBC has now said it will continue to employ them, with no cuts to their funding or posts.

They will form a new partnership with a vocal music education charity.

In a statement, the BBC said it had a "sustainable plan" for the BBC Singers' future, which "draws on support" from the VOCES8 Foundation, a third party.

The faoundation will not provide direct funding under the arrangement, but its website says it "leads the music world with its innovative business and music education models".

The BBC said it would also "continue to identify new opportunities for additional revenue" for the ensemble, which was founded in 1924.

A joint statement from the BBC and the Musicians' Union said they were "pleased that we have a strategy which secures the future of the BBC Singers, and we look forward to celebrating their centenary year".

It added: "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."

The VOCES8 Foundation's chief executive Paul Smith artistic director and Barnaby Smith said they had been "committed to a positive outcome for the future of the BBC Singers".

The agreement will allow them to "continue the Foundation's commitment to finding innovative ways to extend learning and participation, and serve and grow global audiences for the artform", they said.

Separate planned 20% cuts to the BBC's English orchestras, which were also announced last March, have also been shelved by the corporation.