Amateur choirs pressure government to ease ‘soul destroying’ restrictions

The guidelines state all non-professional singing may only take place indoors in groups of up to six, postponing the activities of 42 thousand amateur choirs across the UK. 

After an apparent reversal from government ministers in their approach to amateur singers gathering, many have been left shocked and frustrated by the restrictions.

The MU have been in contact with the DCMS, and asked that they review the latest guidance following the public’s reaction. 

A petition started by the Project Get Singing founders titled ‘Let Choirs Start Singing Again: Singing Will Rebuild National Well-Being’, has currently received almost 12,000 signatures. 

'Chaos'

Speaking on behalf of Project Get Singing, cofounder Samantha Abrahams, who is also the director and founder of La La Choirs, told MT: ‘The recent update and its completely avoidable delay in being released, has caused chaos.’ 

‘Those of us who earn our livings from this have had to do an about-turn halfway through activity. For professional leaders and our amateur singers, it is simply soul destroying. 

‘It isn’t based on science and Oliver Dowden’s swerve indicating PHE were responsible, in parliament today, actually refers to advice on how to safely sing based on venue size and ventilation. Not a single group of six. The lack of understanding at the highest level is astounding.’ 

‘Choirs, with all the necessary mitigations in place based on Public Health England published document on Safer Singing Practices, should be allowed to go back to singing immediately in order to continue supporting the communities they are based in; especially important for those that rely on choirs for their well-being and to combat isolation. 

‘Equally, there should be no further limitations on their activities that are not in line with guidance for similar activities unless there is strong scientific evidence for the limitation.’

The government's response

When approached for a comment by MT, a government spokesperson said: ‘We must take a cautious and phased approach in easing restrictions’

‘Changes in step three in line with wider social contact rules mean an amateur choir or performance group of up to six people or two households can now sing indoors, and outdoors in groups of up to 30.’

‘We understand this is disappointing but are taking decisions based on the advice of our public health experts.’

'A lifeline'

Andi Hopgood, MU member and choir leader explains that the outcome was worse due to the public belief that choirs would be permitted to rehearse and perform indoors. He said: ‘So many have spent time and money on preparations and invested in equipment, so it seems very unfair for the choral community to be penalised in this way. So many participants rely on group sessions for friendships and wellbeing, it is literally a lifeline for them.’

Phil Kear, MU assistant general secretary, has expressed his concern as to why choirs have been ‘singled out’. He adds: ‘We have registered with the DCMS our dissatisfaction with this particular restriction on indoor singing, plus underlined its potential effect on many of our members.’ 

Non-professional choirs and their leaders are still awaiting changes from the government regarding their ability to rehearse indoors in the near future.  

For more information on the government restrictions look here. 

Read the petition here. 

For the latest information from the MU, look at their website.