Trends in Radio Orchestras in Europe

In the 1920s, when radio broadcasting commenced, radio orchestras and radio choirs under public service broadcasters were born around the world. Almost a century has passed, and even now many radio orchestras remain active for the promotion of music culture, by performing for broadcasts, holding concerts for the general public, providing music education projects, etc. At the same time, with public service broadcasters facing pressure to cut costs and streamline their operations, recent years have seen a wave of debates over operational reviews, such as the closure or downsizing of orchestras in recent years.In 2023, the UK public service broadcaster BBC announced a plan to reduce the number of personnel in its three orchestras by 20 percent and close its choir. Nevertheless, strong protests from musicians and the public made the decision to be reconsidered in the direction of securing the choir. In France, its public radio broadcaster Radio France, which operates two orchestras and a choir, were pressed to cut costs under the Macron administration and decided in 2019 to reduce the number of the choir members by 30 percent while maintaining its two orchestras as they were. In Austria, the director general of the public service broadcaster ORF announced in February 2023 a cost reduction plan including the closure of its orchestra. This decision, however, was met by a strong outcry from musicians and the public on the basis of the orchestra’s achievements and contributions to date, upon which considerations are being made towards the continuation of the orchestra. Germany—the home of classical music—has 12 radio orchestras, which is more than any other country, but a debate has arisen that this should be reviewed amidst the reform of public service broadcasting. A trade and labor union for German orchestras have issued statements against this move.