Cellist Julian Lloyd Webber has criticised the BBC for its decision to cut down classical music groups.
The BBC Singers will be discontinued while three BBC orchestras face a 20% reduction in their workforce.
Lloyd Webber's opinion was published in the Radio Times, where he described the organisation's treatment of its musicians as "lamentable".
The BBC spokesperson expressed their understanding about the impact the decision may have on those affected.
The BBC's plan to cut down its classical music groups has been criticised by celebrated cellist Julian Lloyd Webber.
According to The Telegraph, the musician is questioning the decision to scrap BBC Singers and reduce the roles of three BBC orchestras, saying that it casts doubts on the institution's long-term commitment to classical music.
Lloyd Webber identified the move as part of a larger trend of the BBC's downgrading of the genre over the years.
The BBC spokesperson acknowledged that the decision is hard for the affected individuals while outlining the broadcaster's historic importance to classical music.
Simultaneously, the BBC's announcement has sparked a conversation about what the organisation stands for.
According to the BBC News report, Lloyd Webber has expressed concerns about the direction the BBC is headed in.
He is disappointed by the "treatment of its own musicians," saying it "no longer exists" for classical music.
While the organisation's spokesperson affirmed the importance of classical music to the public broadcaster, the decision seems to have divided opinions among its stakeholders, including the musicians affected by the cuts.
The disagreement over the cuts to the BBC Singers and orchestras highlights a discrepancy between different stakeholders' priorities.
The move is viewed by some as a downgrade of an essential art form, while the BBC may see it as a necessary measure in the face of financial pressures.
The spokesperson for the public broadcaster confirmed that it continues to consider how best to serve its audiences while acknowledging the impact on affected employees.