The classical music industry, a sector deeply rooted in tradition and excellence, has long been perceived as an exclusive domain, primarily serving a narrow demographic. Despite its rich cultural heritage and the passion it ignites, the industry faces significant challenges in achieving diversity, equity, and inclusion. Statistics paint a stark picture: according to a 2021 report by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, only 1.8 per cent of orchestral musicians in the UK are from Global Majority backgrounds, despite these groups making up over 14 per cent of the national population. Additionally, access to classical music education remains largely unequal, often limited by socioeconomic status, geography, and educational background.

Lissy Kelleher-Clarke, manager of the HarrisonParrott Foundation, holds an MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology of Music from the University of London (Image courtesy of the HarrisonParrott Foundation)

These disparities highlight a pressing need for systemic change within the industry — a need to dismantle barriers and create opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background. At HarrisonParrott, we recognise that partnerships are key to driving this change. At the HarrisonParrott Foundation, we believe a solution to these long-standing challenges lies in collaboration. Partnerships, more than any other approach, offer the clearest pathway to creating an inclusive and equitable future for classical music.

Why partnerships matter more than ever

Classical music cannot afford to continue operating in isolation. The exclusive perception surrounding it, reinforced by unequal access to education and opportunity, has kept entire communities from engaging with the art form. We can no longer rely on incremental, individual efforts to solve such deep-seated issues. Systemic problems require systemic solutions. This is why collaboration — both within the arts sector and beyond — is essential.

At the HarrisonParrott Foundation, we have built our entire mission around this belief. Our partnership-first approach isn't just a tactic; it's a philosophy that guides all our work. By collaborating with educational institutions, non-profit organisations, and other stakeholders who share our values, we are making tangible strides towards a more inclusive future for classical music.

(Image courtesy of the HarrisonParrott Foundation)

The power of collective action

Our partnerships with the West London Music Hub, Orchestras for All, Young Sounds UK, Music for All, Open Up Music, and many other organisations are proof that collective action leads to real change. Together, we are delivering projects that provide young people from underrepresented backgrounds with access to high-quality participatory music opportunities, and we’re breaking down the barriers that have historically excluded them from the classical music world.

Together, we deliver a range of projects that support access to music education and the industry itself. Whether it’s providing accessible musical instruments, creating opportunities for young musicians from diverse backgrounds, or advocating for systemic change within educational institutions or the wider classical music industry, our collaborative efforts are making a tangible impact.

Leading by example: The annual symposium

One of the cornerstones of the HarrisonParrott Foundation’s work is our annual Symposium. These events are designed to facilitate dialogue, share knowledge, and inspire change and innovation within the classical music industry. Our symposia are not just conferences; they are platforms for meaningful exchange, where industry practitioners, educators, and young people can come together to explore new ideas and collaborate on solutions to the industry and education sector’s most pressing challenges.

(Image courtesy of the HarrisonParrott Foundation)

What sets our symposia apart is our unwavering commitment to access and inclusion. We believe that these principles must inform every aspect of the event, from the content of the presentations to the structure of the programme itself. In addition to accessible presentation formats, we also prioritise accessible venues, engage a BSL interpreter, and showcase inclusive musical instruments, such as The Clarion — an innovative instrument funded by the HarrisonParrott Foundation that can be played with any part of the body, including the eyes. At our upcoming symposium in Liverpool, we will take this commitment to true inclusivity a step further with side-by-side performances by students and professional musicians in our Opus One Concert.

What to expect at the Liverpool symposium: Higher education and the music industry pipeline

As we approach this year’s symposium in Liverpool, I am filled with pride and excitement about the event we have planned. The level of interest and engagement from the classical music community and our peers in Higher Education has been overwhelming, and I am confident that this year’s symposium will be our most impactful yet.

The Opus One Concert promises to be a highlight of the symposium, with performances from renowned artists such as mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnston and featured works by celebrated contemporary composers, Sir Stephen Hough, Ella Jarman-Pinto, Emily Howard, and great masters Mendelssohn, Coleridge-Taylor and Elgar. We are proud to present a programme that reflects the rich diversity of the classical music repertoire.

(Image courtesy of the HarrisonParrott Foundation)

As we continue to plan and refine the final details of the symposium, I am reminded of the power of partnerships in driving change. None of this would be possible without the collaboration and support of our partners, colleagues, and friends in the industry. Together, we are building a more inclusive and accessible future for classical music — one where every voice is heard, and every talent is nurtured.

Looking ahead: A call for greater collaboration

We’ve made great strides, but there is still much work to be done. Classical music must embrace collaboration on a wider scale if it is to thrive in the 21st century. Core to the HarrisonParrott Foundation’s identity is our work facilitating and supporting leaders in education and industry to connect and collaborate to drive meaningful change. We urge others in the industry to consider how they, too, can contribute to this collective mission. By working together, we can build a classical music ecosystem that reflects the diversity of the world we live in.

The HarrisonParrott Foundation's 2024 symposium is presented in partnership with Liverpool University, and focuses on Higher Education and the Music Industry Pipeline. The symposium programme can be found here, and tickets for the event, which takes place at Liverpool University's Tung Auditorium on 8 November, can be found here.