A message from our General Director Alex Reedijk:
'Everyone at Scottish Opera is dismayed by BBC Radio Scotland's decision to axe Classics Unwrapped and Jazz Nights, and reduce traditional piping music shows.
These shows, produced with passion and incredibly knowledgeable teams, are a vital platform for championing the excellence and diversity of Scotland’s music culture. They offer invaluable air time to showcase the work of home-grown Scottish productions, artists, creators and the hundreds of people who work backstage in our producing companies, theatres, venues and concert halls.
We at Scottish Opera stand in solidarity with those across the musical community, who are petitioning to reverse this decision.
Without radio shows like these, audiences don't hear about the opportunity to experience all of the wonderful music being made in Scotland. Without audiences to perform to, our community is silenced. We urge BBC Scotland not to turn their backs on Scottish art forms and audiences, particularly when things are almost back to normal after the pandemic.
If you have not yet signed the petitions, we urge you to do so as soon as possible. Anyone in the UK can listen to these shows on BBC Sounds so please show your support.'
Links to the petitions:
Classics Unwrapped
https://www.change.org/p/stop-bbc-radio-scotland-axing-classics-unwrapped-from-the-schedule
Jazz Nights
https://www.change.org/p/please-save-bbc-radio-scotland-s-jazz-nights-from-being-axed