RadioNZ’s decision to dramatically slash ConcertFM marks a very sad day for music in New Zealand. Concert FMs current listeners will be poorly served. And New Zealand’s young and aspiring musicians and young music lovers will be stripped of the opportunity to access and appreciate classical music in the future.
Chair of Orpheus Choir Wellington, Frances Manwaring says, “I find this to be a very narrow-minded approach. As one of New Zealand’s leading choirs we see it as extremely important to keep classical and choral music very much alive. Cutting the quality, moving to AM, removing the valuable commentary and insight provided by presenters will lead listeners to turn away. Ultimately RNZ is dismantling music that has an important role at the heart of New Zealand.”
“It is also an unfortunate stereotype to assume that young people are not interested in a wide range of music – or that classical music has no role in modern life. Many young musicians and artists start in choirs or play classical instruments and there are strong relationships between modern and classical music. The joy of music is in its diversity and we urge RNZ to serve all its audiences – not neglect or turn away from them” comments Ms Manwaring.
Orpheus is encouraging music lovers to challenge RNZs decision by emailing music.change@rnz.co.
Please help us to prove to RNZ and the Minister of Broadcasting that RNZ Concert matters. Please sign this petition, set up by our friends at Orchestra Wellington, and share it as widely as you can.