BBC to merge two orchestras into new BBC Celtic Symphonieta

This post was an April Fool’s joke based on an episode of the BBC comedy programme “W1A”

Today the BBC has announced that the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra are to merge into the new BBC Celtic Symphonieta as part of the ongoing restructuring of its orchestras.

This follows the recent announcement that the BBC Concert Orchestra will be moving away from London relocating to a new city.

It is currently unclear as to whether the orchestra will split its time between Scotland and Wales, or if it will relocate to a location in between, with suggestions including the Isle of Man.

About the merger, BBC Head of Values Ian Fletcher said:

“The fact is this is about identifying what it is that we do best and finding more ways of doing less of it better.”

We are also delighted to announce that Mr W Juan Ay will be joining the BBC Celtic Symphonieta as their new chief conductor.”

The orchestra will use the term “Symphonieta” for its name rather than the usual “Sinfonietta”, as it is derived from the original Gaelic spelling.