Black Lives in Music Presents: Classically Black, 2025

Kings Place, London 18th October

The one day symposium classical event returns for a second year

Featuring Dr Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason, Pete Letanka, Simmy Singh, Sabi Ensemble, The Jollof House Party Opera, Paulette Bayley and DJ Spoony & Friends and more

‘New Works: From Historical to Hip-Hop’, ‘The Next Movement’ new artist showcase, Black Lives in Music's 5th Anniversary Celebration with DJ Spoony & Friends

Black Lives in Music and Warner Classics Join Forces To Mentor the Future of Classical Talent

Supporting New Black and Underrepresented Musicians

Black Lives In Music (BLiM) announces the second annual Classically Black event after a sold out and impactful first year. This year is particularly special as it also marks the 5th Anniversary of Black Lives in Music.

Rooted in Black and global majority experiences, the programme features powerful performances and new commissions that blend tradition with transformation - led by world-class musicians whose identities are often erased in classical spaces. Black Lives In Music (BLiM), was set up 5 years ago to address racial inequality in the music industry and create opportunities for Black, Asian and ethnically diverse musicians and professionals. It has produced groundbreaking reports about the black and global majority experience in the music industry and been embedded in UK music, creating positive change, as well as founding Classically Black in 2024.

This ground-breaking event will explore the experience of being a minority in classical music and champion the works of Black music artists and creators past and present, while asking ‘what is classical now?’ Classically Black offers a new vantage point: one grounded in excellence, pride and cultural truth. Curated by Black Lives in Music, this is classical music reimagined. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

‘New Works: From Classical To Hip Hop’ is an afternoon session, opening with a keynote from Dr Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason and moves through a range of powerful musical expressions, from the rich, expressive works of Louise Farrenc and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, performed by the Sabi Ensemble, to the innovative fusion of Simmy Singh, whose violin and electronics blend classical, jazz, folk and experimental sound worlds. The Jollof House Party Opera serves up a spicy mix of opera and hip-hop in a high-energy, hybrid performance. Co-produced by Music Theatre Wales and FIO, this is opera, but not as you know it.

‘Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves’ is a powerful panel discussion exploring the lived experiences of Black and global majority women working within the classical music industry today. Moderated by Paulette Bayley (Sub Principal Second Violinist, The Hallé), the conversation brings together a compelling panel of performers and creatives, including Carol Lemming (flute and Resident Music Therapist, Manchester Camerata), Amanda Baldwin (mezzo soprano, Royal Ballet and Opera chorister), and Rianna Henriques (wind instrumentalist).

Experience the future of classical music as rising stars take the spotlight for ‘The Next Movement’ showcase in partnership with Warner Classics. This inspiring performance showcases talented artists from underrepresented backgrounds, each bringing a bold, fresh perspective to the genre.

And for the even younger crowd, the Children & Young People’s Music Workshop Performance is back. The sharing session marks the finale of a series of closed workshops exploring music-making and self-expression, led by acclaimed Black British composer Pete Letanka.

And to top it all, celebrate five incredible years of Black Lives in Music with a night of feel-good music, big tunes, and pure vibes, hosted by the legendary DJ Spoony, featuring live performances from Kele Le Roc, Lifford, MC Ranking, MC Viper, Thomas Jules and Romina Johnson. We’re bringing together the best of UK Garage and classic hits for a night of energy, joy, and pure musical excellence. It’s our way of saying thank you for your support, creativity, and community over the years.

Classically Black is more than a festival - it is part of a wider cultural movement, amplifying underrepresented voices and reshaping classical music across the UK. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t and this is about changing that.

For a second year, Black Lives in Music is teaming up with Warner Classics to nurture the next generation of classical talent and overcome barriers for Black and underrepresented musicians and composers. The label is redefining classical music by embracing the tag ‘serious music’, irrespective of the cultural traditions from which it emanates.

Since then, the partnership has brought 5 musicians into the 6 month mentor programme involving a consortium of leading figures from the industry assembled by BLiM. They include Lina Tebbs (Director, UK Production Music, Warner Chappell Music), Harriet Wyborn (General Manager, the Royal Philharmonic Society), Sue Spence, (Director, Askonas Holt) and David O'Leary (Artist Manager, Intermusica), KaraTamir Mukerjee ( Warner Classics & Innovation)

“Classically Black is fast becoming a landmark event in the classical music calendar. The sector still has much to do to address the many names and faces missing from its history. There are still many artists and composers who remain largely unheard of despite their prolific output and highqualitywork. We'renotonlycommemoratingthosebetterknownBlackandglobalmajority classical artists, but, as importantly, we're celebrating faces and names of the present and looking forward to future talent. We're exploring the challenges faced by so many in their efforts to navigate the classical music pathway while challenging the narrative around the definition of classical music and what it means to modern, multicultural, cosmopolitan 21st century society. Classically Black is for everyone - whether you think you know about classical music or whether you simply want to hear a wider range of voices as part of the music you love.” Roger Wilson, Director of Operations, Black Lives in Music.

“Arts Council England is proud to be a long-standing partner of Black Lives in Music. The representation, opportunities and advocacy offered by Classically Black and BliM are vital in driving equity in culture and creativity nationwide. I’m excited to experience the incredible talent at this year’s Classically Black London and to see the event continue to go from strength to strength.” - Dr Claire Mera-Nelson, Director of Music

“We are genuinely thrilled to be continuing our relationship with Black Lives in Music through Classically Black London - an inspiring celebration of the brilliance and creativity of global-majority artists. Last year’s inaugural event was an incredible success and a real highlight for Warner Classics. I can’t wait to see its new talent shine this year, as we work together to shape a more vibrant, inclusive future for classical music.” - Sean Michael Gross, VP, Warner Classics UK & North America

Shining a light on Black and underrepresented musicians and composers in a joyful event, Classically Black will take place at Kings Place in London on Saturday 18th October. Produced by BLiM, and sponsored by ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music), Warner Classics and the Arts Council.

ABRSM CEO Chris Cobb says, “After the tremendous success of last year’s Classically Black we’re delighted to be working with Black Lives in Music again to support this brilliant initiative. Black Lives in Music are tireless in their mission to seek equality for Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse musicians and ABRSM’s partnership with them is pivotal in helping us in our ambitions to drive representation and inclusivity within music education.”

Held at the multi-arts venue Kings Place, renowned for curating world-class shows and festivals which engage a breadth of different communities, the venue is a fitting home for Classically Black. Kings Place strives to offer a supportive environment for artists from under-represented backgrounds to build their audiences and communities. The venue is a member organisation of Black Lives in Music and a signatory to its charter aiming to reflect London’s multicultural mix across all levels of the organisation, from artistic programme to work force, partners and audiences. It also signed up to the Key Change Pledge in 2019. Events for Classically Black will take place across multiple spaces at Kings Place, including Hall One – known for its exceptional acoustics – Hall Two and the intimate St Pancras Room.