Classical Unlocked brings classical to SXSW Festival

Florence Lockheart
Tuesday, March 11, 2025

The classical programme will take place on Thursday in Austin, Texas, with a line-up of six genre-bending artists

Tokio Myers: 'Bringing classical music to SXSW is not just about preserving tradition; it's about breaking boundaries and challenging perceptions' ©Classical Unlocked
Tokio Myers: 'Bringing classical music to SXSW is not just about preserving tradition; it's about breaking boundaries and challenging perceptions' ©Classical Unlocked

Classical Unlocked, the organisation behind the annual classical showcase at Texas’ South by Southwest Festival 2025 (SXSW), is set to present its latest celebration of classical artists on 13 March. Classical Unlocked returns to Cooper’s BBQ in Austin, Texas on Thursday (13 March) to present a programme of opera, classical repertoire and new works.

This will be Classical Unlocked’s third annual showcase at the American festival, since its first partnership with SXSW in 2023. Since then, the organisation has brought artists including Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Caroline Shaw, Tiffany Poon and Alexandra Whittingham to the festival.

SXSW Music Festival vice-president James Minor said: ‘SXSW is excited for the return of Classical Unlocked, a genre-defying showcase that celebrates classical music in the modern context. This year's global lineup will highlight everything from opera and contemporary cello to classical-infused house music and a Britain's Got Talent winner. We believe our attendees will once again be surprised and delighted by what they see and hear.’

Supported by KMFA radio, Steinway Pianos, MDSG and Nord, Classical Unlocked aims to ‘curate a fresh space for classical music within the mainstream’ with collaborations with artists who blend the classical tradition with new ideas. This year’s line-up is set to include pianist Tokio Myers, alongside Brussels-based orchestral ensemble ECHO Collective, guitarist Vraell, and composer-performers Josefine Opsahl and Marta Cascales Alimbau. After the Austin showcase, Classically Unlocked will also bring its showcase to the inaugural London SXSW Festival in June.

Myers said: ‘At a time when music is constantly evolving, classical music remains a cornerstone of artistic expression-rich in emotion, history, and technical mastery. Bringing classical music to SXSW is not just about preserving tradition; it's about breaking boundaries, challenging perceptions, and proving that this art form is as innovative and electrifying as any other genre.’