South by Southwest Festival to present largest classical showcase

Florence Lockheart
Friday, March 3, 2023

This year's festival will include a panel discussion and a night-long international showcase of classical artists

'As a classical pianist, performing at SXSW is a tremendous honour' Pianist Kyle P Walker will perform as part of SXSW's inaugural classical showcase (image courtesy of ARTISTS&)
'As a classical pianist, performing at SXSW is a tremendous honour' Pianist Kyle P Walker will perform as part of SXSW's inaugural classical showcase (image courtesy of ARTISTS&)

Texas' South by Southwest (SXSW) festival is set to welcome its largest ever showcase of classical artists and voices. The festival, which takes place annually in Austin, TX, will this year include a panel discussion and a night-long international showcase of classical artists.

The segment will open with a panel, Classical Music: Embracing the Modern Audience, with discussion from speakers including singer-songwriter Ayanna Witter-Johnson; Dean for Community Initiatives at LA’s performing arts institution, Colburn School, Nate Zeisler; music artist community manager Tik Tok UK, Sheema Siddiqi, and violinist Aurora Mendez.

James Minor, the festival’s vice president, said: ‘Classical music’s emergence as a true salve in our ever-accelerating, technology-driven world is an experience we embrace. It’s inspiring to see a wave of young, incredibly talented (and social media-savvy) artists introducing a new generation to the genre. We’re excited and honoured to be showcasing some of the best in the field at SXSW this year.’

Following the panel, classical musicians will take over a cabaret bar in Downtown Austin for the ARTISTS& Official SXSW Classical Showcase. Audiences will be treated to performances by Witter-Johnson along with sextet Fuse; pianist Kyle P Walker; cello ensemble Kaitlyn Raitz and friends; guitarist Alexandra Whittingham, and crossover pianist AyseDeniz Gokcin.

Walker said: ‘As a classical pianist, performing at SXSW is a tremendous honour and a powerful platform to not only share my love of music, but to also shed light on the diversity and richness within the classical genre. It's crucial that classical music is represented and celebrated at events like this, as it allows us to bridge cultures and break down barriers, showcasing the universal language of sound and its ability to bring people from all walks of life together.’

Organised by ARTISTS&, SXSW’s Classical Music: Embracing the Modern Audience panel will be held at 11.30am CST on 16 March, in Room 15 of the Austin Convention Center. This will be followed by the Official Classical Showcase which will take place between 8pm and 2am at Esther’s Follies, Downtown Austin.