In last Wednesday’s (10/4) European, Sura Erdem writes, “For hundreds of years musicians have moved across the Channel for work, learning, and audiences. Classical music is collaborative and international, Brexit is not. It introduced barriers to work and travel, expensive paperwork that most musicians cannot afford, and sent young British artists down the pecking order when it comes to plum European jobs. Everything from vital orchestra tours to singing gigs and study opportunities have been affected…. While U.K. musicians can still study in the EU, the necessity and complexity of new visa rules continue to trip up many…. It’s inevitable now that European employers will prioritize talent from the EU, rather than British singers with all the baggage of paperwork, taxation, visas, and uncertainty. That’s borne out in a report by the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM) in August, which found that 27.8% of musicians have had no work in Europe since Brexit. Nearly half of respondents had seen their work in Europe decline, 40% had work cancelled and almost as many said they had to turn down work due to costs and logistics…. Senior musicians believe that, over time, some of the obstacles will be removed.”
