UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 16 JULY 2020
Following the announcement by Birmingham’s Town Hall and Symphony Hall (THSH) that up to half of their staff are now facing redundancy as a result of the impact of the Covid-19 shutdown on arts and music venues, and amidst repeated calls from the music industry for a reopening date and further financial support from UK Government, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Principal Professor Julian Lloyd Webber has lent his support.
He said: “Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Birmingham City University have always enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with Town Hall and Symphony Hall.
“The announcement by THSH, predicting job losses of up to half of their workforce, is sad and alarming, and we share wider concerns about the impact of the current shutdown on not just those affected by job losses directly, but also the entire community of musicians, freelancers and casual workers who help to deliver so many wonderful events at the concert halls.”
“We offer our support and solidarity with colleagues across the arts spectrum facing similar challenges and call for a plan to reopen our concert halls and venues swiftly and with support.”
Read the statement from the music charity that is responsible for Town Hall and Symphony Hall.