BBC Radio 3 has opened applications for a one-day event that will examine strategies for the enhanced inclusion of culturally diverse (BAME) classical music composers in mainstream programming. The pan-industry conference, Diversity and Inclusion in Composition (19 October at RNCM, Manchester), aims to facilitate greater inclusion in classical music by connecting with prospective composers from the UK’s Black, Asian and non-White British communities. It is just one of a series of events and broadcasts to tackle BAME issues taking place during Black History month in October.
The day will be hosted in partnership with BASCA, BBC Philharmonic and RNCM, in association with the BBC Black and Asian Forum.
The Diversity and Inclusion in Composition fits in with BBC Radio 3’s special patronage of the arts scheme to mark the 70th anniversary of the BBC’s Third Programme, launched in 1946 it was the forerunner of BBC Radio 3.
As part of the 70th anniversary celebrations, alongside a celebration of the network’s unique history, the station will focus on future directions in classical music composition.
Said Alan Davey, controller of BBC Radio 3: ‘BBC Radio 3, and the Third programme before it, has always been a cultural patron and it’s essential we are working with the wider classical and cultural industry to do our bit to reflect and draw on the cultural diversity of the UK.
‘Our Diversity and Inclusion in Composition forum is a stake in the ground to that end. I said when I started at BBC Radio 3 that I wanted us to look at this area and we are committed to making a difference. The more we invest in diversity, the more talent and interesting art will emerge and we’ll be able connect our audiences with even more remarkable music and culture that is reflective of the kind of country we are.
In our 70th anniversary year, we’ll be looking to take lessons from the forum so that we expand the canon for the future, whilst also inspiring new audiences to connect with music.’
Guest speakers at the RNCM event include composers Daniel Kidane; Jeffrey Mumford; Priti Paintal; Shirley J Thompson; Errollyn Wallen; and Raymond Yiu; as well as BBC Radio 3 controller, Alan Davey; the BBC’s head of diversity, inclusion and succession, Tunde Ogungbesan; BASCA CEO, Vick Bain; Michelle Castelletti, Artistic Director at the Royal Northern College of Music; Sound And Music Chief Executive, Susanna Eastburn; The Chineke! Foundation founder, Chi-chi Nwanoku (pictured above); and Toks Dada, Programme Coordinator at Town Hall, Symphony Hall, Birmingham.
To receive a delegate pack register your interest online by mid-August.
