Unions at RTÉ have warned the broadcaster’s board that if the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) is taken from its control, it will “be undermining its own strength and place in Irish society”.

An independent report has recommended that neither of RTÉ’s two orchestras be closed, despite the severe financial constraints faced by the public service broadcaster.

HOW many musicians can you get through the stage door of the National Concert Hall in a single day? 

THERE are fears the smallest of the RTÉ-funded performing groups – and the only one based outside Dublin – could be axed as part of a cost-cutting drive.