Choirmasters and conductors claim ban on singing in churches is based on “assumptions, not science”

Britain’s leading choirmasters and conductors have criticised the ban on singing in churches as based on “assumptions, not science” as they urge ministers to reverse the veto.

James O’Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers at Westminster Abbey, has written to Caroline Dinenage MP, Minister of State for Digital and Culture, warning that “the survival of one of our nation’s cultural treasures” depends on future guidelines concerning choral singing.

The letter, co-signed by almost 30 other renowned conductors and choirmasters, said: “We believe it is eminently possible to avert disaster if the appropriate steps are taken now.”

“Current assessments of the possible risks of choral singing are based mainly on assumptions, not on science…

“Is it considered that a group of workers numbering more than six, at 2m distance from each other in an unventilated office, poses less of a risk than a group of singers performing in a well-ventilated venue with the same social distancing?

“[...] We urgently need guidance setting out general principles to enable choirs and choruses to undertake their own detailed risk assessments so they can safely apply the advice to their specific contexts. We need advice based on scientific evidence, not conjecture, anecdote or supposition.”

They also warned that the financial difficulty in which many professional singers and choral directors now find themselves is “acute”, meaning that “there is no doubt that some high-profile ensembles will not survive this crisis”.

The calls come as on Saturday places of worship reopened to the public, with strict social distancing measures and new guidelines in place.

Current Government guidance says that singing and playing instruments – with the exception of the church organ – should be avoided in a bid to curb the spread of covid-19.

“Places of worship play an important role in providing spiritual leadership for many individuals, and in bringing communities and generations together,” the government has written in its current COVID-19 guidance online.

“However, their communal nature also makes them places that are particularly vulnerable to the spread of coronavirus.”

Public Health England scientists are looking into testing whether or not it is safe for congregations to sing as church services are set to resume.

They will measure spray and spittle of Salisbury Cathedral singers to test the safety of singing as coronavirus lockdown measures start to ease.

Among the signatories of the letter include: Andrew Carwood, Director of Music, St Paul’s Cathedral, Harry Christophers CBE, Founder and Conductor, The Sixteen, Declan Costello, Consultant ENT Surgeon and singer and Suzi Digby OBE, Founder and Artistic Director, ORA Singers.

Other co-signatories include: David Dyer Chorus Manager of the English National Opera and London Coliseum, Sir John Eliot Gardiner CBE, Artistic Director, Monteverdi Choir & Orchestras, Simon Halsey CBE, Chorus Director, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Choral Director, London Symphony Orchestra, and Robert Sharpe, Director of Music, York Minster; President, Cathedral Organists’ Association.

Dr. Simon Tanner FFPH, Senior Medical Adviser at Public Health England (PHE), added: “PHE is leading on a small study with adult male choir singers from Salisbury Cathedral, together with a small number of adult volunteers, to gain a better understanding of droplet transmission produced by singers.

“This research will help to inform government guidance for the performing arts industry and places of worship during the Covid-19 pandemic and is due to start in the coming weeks. The tests are not taking place on Cathedral grounds or other public spaces and the study does not involve people who have the virus.”

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has commissioned scientists to research the dangers posed by singing and what steps can be taken to ensure the safe resumption of performance.

A spokeswoman said: "We recognise the important place choirs of all sizes hold within communities across the country and are working closely with representatives from the arts industry, including Westminster Abbey, and medical experts on specific guidance to enable choirs to resume live performances safely as soon as possible."