The Stage

Scottish Opera fears for its future

Published Tuesday 7 September 2010 at 16:13 by Natalie Woolman

Scottish Opera will be “damaged irretrievably” if its orchestra is forced to become part-time, according to a leaked letter sent by the Musicians’ Union to MSPs.

The letter, seen by The Stage, was sent to a number of parliamentarians including Scottish culture minister Fiona Hyslop, in response to Scottish Opera’s plans to transfer the members of its orchestra from full-time to part-time contracts.

According to Scottish newspaper The Herald, the management wants to halve working hours and salaries and employ the orchestra for 26 weeks a year.

The letter states: “We are concerned that if the orchestra is cut as proposed, the future of Scottish Opera will be in jeopardy as the artistic integrity of the whole company will be compromised and damaged irretrievably.”

It adds that the MU understands the pressures of the current economic climate, but that it believes the company is “one of Scotland’s most important cultural institutions and should be preserved for future generations”.

The union is currently balloting its members on the proposals and refused to comment while that is taking place.

Scottish Opera general director Alex Reedjik said: “Scottish Opera has an ongoing issue of orchestra underutilisation. We have been in discussions with the Musicians’ Union and players’ representatives about the introduction of part-time contracts for our players. A formal offer has been circulated to the players and a ballot is now taking place. Out of respect for our employees, it is not appropriate for us to say more while this process is ongoing.”

Culture minister Hyslop told The Stage: “It is right that Scottish Opera looks at ways to make best use of its resources. How this is achieved is a matter for Scottish Opera’s management and board. As I have said before, we expect the company to consult fully with staff and unions on the way forward. I am sure that protecting the world-class work of the company is at the forefront of their minds in making these key decisions.”

As one of Scotland’s national performing companies, it is funded directly by the Scottish Government. For 2010/11, its settlement was £8.7 million.

Scottish Opera disbanded its chorus and made almost 100 staff redundant in 2005 following a period of financial turmoil within the company.