We are excited to share a special highlight from Classical:NEXT 2025. You can now revisit the Opening Keynote by Dr. Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason, an insightful and inspiring talk invites us to reflect on the classical and art music world: Who belongs to the community? How can we create an accessible, supportive and diverse environment that helps emerging talent flourish?
Having raised seven children with her husband, all of whom are classical musicians, Kadiatu is a force across the classical music world and beyond. Winner of the Lifetime Award for Contribution to Children’s Arts at the 2018 J.M. Barrie Awards, the Honorary Fellowship of The Royal Academy of Music in 2022, the ISM Distinguished Musician Award in 2023 and author of her memoir, House of Music: Raising the Kanneh-Masons, Kadiatu is also patron of the Swaledale Festival, patron of SaMM in Totnes, President of the Chester Philharmonic Orchestra, and Honorary Friend of the British and International Federation of Music Festivals. An expert on diversity in classical music, music education and issues of race and inclusion, her profound insights and experience offer us much food for thought and endless inspiration.