Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Classical Music: Funding and Support

29 March 2023 · 3 other contributors

Opened by Bambos Charalambous Lab Southgate and Wood Green

Culture, Media & Sport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Bambos Charalambous raised concerns about classical music: funding and support in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about funding cuts affecting classical music institutions such as English National Opera, Britten Sinfonia, Welsh National Opera, Glyndebourne's touring opera, and the BBC orchestras.
  • Minister Rosie Winterton acknowledged the importance of classical music to jobs, local businesses, and tourism in Britain.
  • Winterton noted the publication of a draft Media Bill aimed at supporting radio sectors including Classic FM.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Bambos Charalambous Lab Southgate and Wood Green

Charalambous thanked constituents for requesting the debate, highlighting the importance of classical musicians in his constituency. He discussed the economic and cultural significance of UK's classical music scene, citing its role in driving economic growth through film and TV soundtracks recorded by renowned orchestras like Abbey Road Studios. The speech detailed recent funding cuts affecting institutions such as English National Opera (ENO), Britten Sinfonia, Welsh National Opera, Glyndebourne’s touring opera, and the BBC orchestras. Charalambous emphasised the need for transparency in decision-making processes and suggested practical measures to support the classical music industry, including reducing VAT on live events, lowering business rates for venues, and establishing tax relief for the music sector.

Other contributors (3)
  • Bob Neill Con Bromley and Chislehurst

    Neill reiterated support for Charalambous's debate and highlighted ENO's importance in enriching communities, promoting diversity, and making classical music accessible. He criticised Arts Council England's decision-making process and called for an independent review of its approach to opera and classical music.

  • Valerie Vaz Lab Walsall South

    Vaz expressed support for the debate, emphasising the importance of early exposure to music for cognitive development and the positive impact of classical music on children's intelligence. She highlighted examples like José Abreu’s El Sistema in Venezuela, advocating for a piano in every school.

  • Jonathan Lord Con Woking

    Lord discussed the funding cuts affecting ENO and called for immediate support to ensure stability until a review can be conducted.

Government Response

Rosie Winterton

Minister Rosie Winterton acknowledged the importance of classical music in Britain, noting its impact on jobs, local businesses, and tourism. She welcomed feedback regarding BBC’s recent announcements about orchestra funding but emphasised that operational decisions are independent of government influence. Winterton also mentioned the publication of a draft Media Bill designed to support radio sectors including Classic FM.

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