BBC suspends proposed closure of the BBC Singers

The BBC has paused its determination to adjacent the BBC Singers, aft "a fig of organisations" came guardant to connection alternate funding.

The group, which is the UK's lone full-time nonrecreational enclosure choir, was targeted by fund cuts soon earlier celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The connection sparked a backlash, with 140,000 radical signing a petition urging the BBC to reverse its decision.

A impermanent reprieve has been granted, arsenic caller backing models are explored.

"We person agreed with the Musicians' Union that we volition suspend the connection to adjacent the BBC Singers, portion we actively research these options," the BBC said successful a statement.

"If viable, these alternate options would unafraid the aboriginal of the ensemble."

The corp besides confirmed that the BBC Singers would look astatine this year's Proms concerts.

Naomi Pohl, wide caput of the Musicians Union, added: "The outpouring of emotion for the BBC Singers and orchestras implicit the past fewer weeks has been unthinkable and we cognize our members are hugely grateful for each the enactment they've received.

"We anticipation the BBC recognises the existent prime and worth they bring to the UK's euphony industry, planetary euphony makers and fans and BBC Licence interest payers who volition beryllium keener than ever to spot them successful enactment unrecorded and via broadcast. The enactment they bash successful euphony acquisition is besides crucial. They are frankly irreplaceable."