BBC Singers celebrates centenary

The BBC Singers is marking its 100th birthday with a special concert at the Barbican next week (2 October). The event features cellist Abel Selaocoe and organist Anna Lapwood.

Formed in 1924, the BBC Singers has collaborated with the world's leading ensembles, including the BBC orchestras. The group was created as the network's in-house choir – known as the Wireless Chorus – and has recorded music for BBC radio and TV, alongside other projects. The upcoming London event follows 'BBC Singers at 100', a concert performed at Bristol Beacon as part of the proms. 

Such concerts nearly did not happen at all: last year the BBC suggested it would close the choir in a bid to cut costs across the BBC's classical music groups. The proposal was hotly refuted, with a petition against the planned closure attracting over 150,000 signatures. A reprieve was granted amid criticisms of cultural vandalism. This week, BBC director general Tim Davie has reinforced the broadcaster's commitment to arts and culture, disputing claims the BBC's offering has diminished.

Britain’s only full-time professional chamber choir has embraced change throughout the decades, committing to a 50:50 gender policy for composers whose music it performs and championing composers from all backgrounds. The centenary concert programme includes Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, Schoenberg's Friede auf Erden and Lapwood's arrangement of Chevaliers de Sangreal by Hans Zimmer. The vocalists are joined by musicians from the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the evening is hosted by Clive Myrie and Georgia Mann.