Review of

RTs Orchestral Provision

2018-2023
TERMS OF REFERENCE
1. Context
It is one of RTs expressed objects to establish and maintain orchestras, choirs and
other cultural performing groups1. Beyond its statutory obligations, RTs Orchestras
are an integral part of RTs Arts and Culture Strategy, bringing live music to audiences
of all ages and interests

RT is the primary custodian of symphonic music in Ireland. Through its orchestras

RT showcases Irish artists, celebrates Irelands rich musical heritage, provides
promotional platforms to a wide spectrum of performers and is the biggest employer of
musicians in the country.

RTEs financial challenges are well-know and it is currently undergoing a significant

restructuring programmes with a view to shrinking the organistion and evolving into a
smaller, leaner public service media organisation. Currently there are numerous
vancancies in the orchestras (musicians and management) and a number people have
applied for redundancy under RTs Voluntary Exit Programme (VEP 2017).

2. Objective and Scope

RT would like to conduct a review of its provision of orchestral music in service of the
Irish public and in fulfilment of its public service objects.

The reviews objective is to put forward the optimal solution for the effective, efficient
and sustainable delivery of high quality orchestral services by RT.

1
S114(c) Broadcasting Act 2009
Scope
The following orchestras fall within the scope of the review:

the RT National Symphony Orchestra

the RT Concert Orchestra.
Approach and Issues
A proposed approach to the Review shall include:

Research review of existing reports, studies, international best practice and

different business/operating models.
Consultation with internal and external stakeholders and EBU peers (contacts
will be provided).

The Review will examine the following:

i. Audience Needs and Regional Access
ii. Optimising Quality and Range
iii. Governance
iv. Operations and Costs
v. Revenue Opportunities

i. Audience Needs and Regional Access

The review will look at audience demand, community interest and access and
how RT can service national and regional needs. The review will also consider
how to attract new and broader audiences and ways to increase RT
Orchestras regional activity and profile. The Review will also look at issues
relating specifically to the provision of live concert performances as well as
radio, digital and television broadcast outputs.

ii. Optimising Quality and Range

The review will consider how the quality of performers and output can be
developed to international standards such that conductors and soloists of the
highest calibre can be attracted to Ireland. The review will also provide
recommendations on how a variety of musical output can be maintained: from
large scale symphonic pieces to accessible pops output; and how RTs
commitment across a range of musical genres including the commissioning and
performance of new music and the development of new talent (composers and
artists) can be continued.
 iii. Governance
The Review will look at matters pertinent to the good governance of the
orchestras, including the appropriateness of the current structure and
composition of the orchestra team, and how to ensure best practice standards
of governance.

iv. Operations and Costs

The Review will examine those factors which have an impact on the orchestras
capacity to contain costs, including the role of the formal and informal network
arrangements between the orchestras in relation to cost control. In doing so the
Review will assess the financial position of each of the orchestras, including
structural and employment issues which impact on costrevenue dynamics.

v. Revenue Opportunities
The Review will examine factors which have an impact on the orchestras
capacity to exploit its audiences, including the potential to maximise earned
income through box office, commercial fees, sponsorship, new musical ventures
and genre blends, philanthropic and private sector support.

Deliverables
The Review will make recommendations regarding the best configuration of its
orchestras and staff for RT to deliver its objects, with due regard for the key issues
outlined above.

The recommendations must be practical, sustainable and bound by the scope and
constraints outline above. It is envisaged that a final report to delivered to RT by end of
February 2018.