Some of the notable artists who have made Wales their home include Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Tom Jones, and Bonnie Tyler.
This week, the talents from the land known for its music are showcased at one of Europe’s most significant music and poetry gatherings, the National Eisteddfod.
However, worries have emerged regarding the future of the country’s cultural sector due to financial reductions.
Plans put forth by the Welsh National Opera (WNO) involve converting its orchestra to part-time status and decreasing musicians’ wages by 15 percent.
Over 11,000 individuals have signed a petition demanding the withdrawal of these proposals.
In the words of Dame Shirley Bassey, should the Welsh government be more generous in supporting the arts? File pic: PA
Art programs regularly face cutbacks – but should the nation of Sir Tom Jones be taking more steps to safeguard its musical heritage? Pic: ITV/Rachel Joseph/Shutterstock
‘Is there no way to preserve these positions?’
Llinos Owen, a 42-year-old sub-principal bassoonist in the orchestra since 2022, shared her concerns about the situation.
Originally from Pwllheli in Gwynedd, Ms Owen was keen on coming back to reside in Wales.
However, she informed Sky News that she might need to relocate elsewhere to advance her career.
“I’ll be heading to Glasgow next week for an audition due to the lack of freelance opportunities in Cardiff,” she revealed.
“It’s not comparable to living in London, or the region between Leeds and Manchester or from Glasgow to Edinburgh where there’s ample freelance opportunities and more full-time bands that require freelancers.
“In Cardiff, it won’t be viable for all orchestra members to compensate for the income loss with additional local gigs.”
According to Ms Owen, Wales’s standing as the land of song is gravely jeopardized by cuts to the cultural sector.
“Wales, known for its musical heritage, is being abandoned due to severe underfunding,” she expressed.
She called on the Welsh government to release emergency funding to sustain the orchestra at its current strength.
Continuing, she stated, “Can’t we safeguard these positions until a more promising future emerges?”
Llinos Owen
Naomi Pohl, the general secretary of the Musicians’ Union (MU), expressed concern and urged the Welsh government to pay heed to its members and intervene.
“While the funding shortfall isn’t massive in the grand scheme of Wales’s arts and culture budget, the repercussions will be substantial,” she remarked.
She added, “With new administrations come new ministers, offering the chance for someone to view the situation from a different angle and hopefully bring about change.”
A spokesperson for the Welsh government mentioned having taken measures to alleviate the financial strain on the arts sector, prioritizing funding for essential public services such as the NHS.
Budget Reductions Deemed ‘Unavoidable’
Last month, MU members voted for potential strike actions. The WNO expressed disappointment at the decision but acknowledged it. They stated that to ensure financial sustainability in the future, adjustments were necessary due to funding cuts that were endured.
A representative mentioned that the ongoing process, deemed “inevitable” due to required savings, is supported with a focus on securing the company’s endurance as Wales’s national opera entity.
“We are dedicated to guaranteeing our longevity as the national opera company of Wales,” they reiterated.
When Sky News reached out to the Arts Council of Wales for comment, no response was received.
Stay updated with the latest news from the UK and worldwide by following Sky News
‘Demonstrating Our Musical Legacy’
Additionally, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) declared the suspension of its junior conservatoire provision last month.
David Ingham, an 18-year-old from Swansea and long-time conservatoire student, highlighted the unique musical education offered, stating it was incomparable to standard schooling.
David Ingham
“The junior conservatoire experience facilitates a smoother transition to further conservatoire studies for young individuals, offering a consistent educational approach,” he asserted.
“Being renowned as the land of song, we must validate it. These opportunities are imperative.
“Music plays a crucial role in our society, a traditional cornerstone for years. However, its significance might be waning.
“It’s unjust that while London provides five music study options for teens and children, Wales now offers none.”
Campaigners have been calling on the RWCMD to retain its junior conservatoire provision. Picture: David Ingham
‘The Arts Sector is Struggling to Survive’
Bryony Black, age 46, has a child who attended the junior conservatoire.
Her 15-year-old son, Solomon, working towards achieving grade eight on the violin with a bursary, faces uncertainty regarding his musical future.
“The impact on his future musical journey is substantial. We are unsure of our next steps,” she shared.
Considering alternative conservatoire options like Birmingham or London, even with a possible bursary, raises concerns over increased travel costs and additional time requirements, given his existing six-hour daily commitment.
Ms. Black, residing in Blaenau Gwent, foresees severe repercussions for emerging professional musicians in Wales although immediate impact might not be felt for a couple of years.
“The arts sector typically bears the brunt, but currently, it’s not just tightening the belt, it’s akin to fatal constriction – it’s deteriorating rapidly,” she emphasized.
“We require not only a revival, but it seems the arts scene is teetering on the edge of oblivion.”
Bryony Black with her son Solomon
Ms. Black noted a lack of advocacy from within the college to converse with the government and ensure the provision’s continuity.
The RWCMD stated in a release that the decision to cease the weekend youth provision was a weighty one.
An institution spokesperson mentioned a staff consultation due to financial challenges in higher education currently, asserting that the weekly activities model was financially unsustainable. However, they vowed to provide sustainable project activities for under 18s, keeping the Welsh government informed as new propositions develop.
Explore more of Sky News:
Edwards mural removal
Ex-rugby star banned from driving
Wrexham star in Ryan Reynolds film
The Welsh government stressed that cultural and artistic institutions are vital for society and well-being.
“From 2022 to 2025, an investment of £13m ensures all young individuals aged 3-16 have access to music activities, including instrumental and vocal training,” as emphasized by the government.
