tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060605.post-58613702897028472762008-04-08T03:03:00.000+01:002008-04-08T03:03:00.000+01:002008-04-08T03:03:00.000+01:00Imagine all, and I mean, all the BBC orchestras being terminated in one day because of a bureaucrat decides that the money could be better spent elsewhere, on tv or radio programming such as that being proposed for the new CBC Radio Two. To give an understanding of scale five Great Britains would fit into one province of Canada (British Columbia). The CBC Radio Orchestra reaches all Canadians by radio service and the world through its overseas service and internet "Concerts-on-Demand" streaming. Look at a map and realize that citizens from coast to coast to coast enjoy the radio orchestra in its performances of a wide variety of music styles, not just the euro-centric so-called "classical" programming. We, in Canada, have only one national radio orchestra which has suffered thirty years of service cuts. You, in Britain, cannot imagine the demoralizing effect this decision has wrought amongst students and youngsters who take pride in this national cultural heritage. Yes, ou lost one when the BBC Northern Ireland Orchestra merged with Ulster but you still have a large network of fine BBC Orchestras to serve your nation. We will soon have none. When you suddenly lose all your BBC orchestras you might understand the misery surrounding the funeral of an orchestra. One by one the in-house system of radio orchestras was cut in Canada but the explanation to placate the various orchestras that died was that there would ALWAYS be a CBC Radio Orchestra in Vancouver to continue its valued cultural service as a part of Canada's national heritage.<BR/><BR/>Please send condolences to the Canadian people in this time of loss.Gene Ramsbottom principal clarinet CBCROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04886477203021411042noreply@blogger.com