The International Federation of Musicians (FIM) has written to Arts Council England chief executive Darren Henley in support of the Keep Northern Ballet Live campaign.
Musicians from the Northern Ballet Sinfonia are campaigning to protect their tours after the Northern Ballet announced they have been forced to consider getting rid of their live orchestra for some tours and replacing the musicians with recorded music.
FIM Secretary General Benoît Machuel wrote: “Replacing musicians with recordings would represent a significant cultural regression in a country renowned for the value it places on live music and the exceptional quality of its artists.
“It would also have a detrimental effect on Northern Ballet’s musicians, who are on freelance contracts and whose incomes depend heavily on touring.”
The musicians of the Northern Ballet have worldwide support
FIM is an international organization for musicians’ unions and equivalent representative organizations with 70 members in 60 countries.
Their letter reflects the global importance of music in the UK and appreciation for the Northern Ballet Sinfonia.
It said: “Music and dance lovers around the world will not understand if Arts Council England is a silent accomplice in this worrying situation.
“Even in difficult times, it is always a short-sighted, counterproductive approach to try to save money from an institution that plays such an important cultural role for all citizens.”
Keep the music of Northern Ballet live
It is essential that Arts Council England and Northern Ballet agree a realistic funding solution that protects union jobs and enables everyone to access live ballet that is truly live.
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The full text of the FIM letter
Dear Mr Henley,
The International Federation of Musicians (FIM), founded in 1948, is the global representative organization for professional musicians and their unions.
With members in sixty-five countries, it is recognized by intergovernmental organizations such as the ILO, WIPO and UNESCO, as well as by the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of Europe. He is also a member of the Council of Global Unions.
The FIM and its members were extremely shocked to learn that Northern Ballet had been forced to consider removing their live orchestra for some tours and replacing the musicians with recorded music.
Replacing musicians with recording would represent a significant cultural regression in a country known for the value it places on live music and the exceptional quality of its artists. It would also have a detrimental effect on the musicians of the Northern Ballet, who are freelance and whose income depends heavily on touring.
Music and dance lovers around the world will not understand if Arts Council England is a silent accomplice in this worrying situation. Even in difficult times, it is always a short-sighted, counterproductive approach to try to save money from an institution that plays such an important cultural role for all citizens.
We therefore call on you to resolve this dire situation by coming around the table and agreeing a sustainable funding package that keeps Northern Ballet alive in all dimensions of its core mission. The international music community will not understand if our request remains unheard.
Sincerely yours,
Benoit Machuel
General Secretary