Alan Davey, BBC Radio 3 controller, has committed to implement a new action plan to increase diversity in classical music.
The executive made the comments at the inaugural Diversity and Inclusion in Classical Composition Conference run by BBC Radio 3 and BASCA.
According to Alan, BBC Radio 3 will expand its classical canon to be more representative, re-appraise the commissioning process and commit to ongoing action.
Following the success of BBC Radio 3’s dedicated focus on increasing the representation of female composers, the executive proposed to increase diversity by broadcasting music recordings of more composers from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, both historical and present day, and by researching and specially recording repertoire that is currently unavailable.
In a final pledge, Alan Davey committed to reconvening the conference in 12-18 months to ensure on-going discussions that will result in real action across the industry.
He said: ‘Today’s Radio 3 and BASCA diversity in composition conference has brought the industry together to discuss all debates on how to support diversity in classical music so we can encourage real talent to flourish. We want to work with others to make lasting change across the industry. I said I wanted to ensure this conference effected real change, because as an industry we need to do this to get the best possible quality work from the broadest of backgrounds in order for classical music to grow, and to reflect our society and the talent that will emerge.
Alan continued: ‘If we as an industry can all pledge to make at least one change in how we do things, then we stand to make a real difference. I am proud to commit to changes at our end as a leading commissioner and promoter of classical music and look forward to seeing others take the first steps towards what I hope will be lasting change.’
He also announced a new BBC Radio 3 classical musical work for the Chineke Orchestra to be broadcast on BBC Radio 3. The work would be from a composer not previously commissioned by the station and chosen in consultation with Chi Chi Nwanoku, the orchestra’s director, and the BBC commissioning board.
Read our recent feature on the challenges and opportunities facing contemporary classical composers.
The executive made the comments at the inaugural Diversity and Inclusion in Classical Composition Conference run by BBC Radio 3 and BASCA.
According to Alan, BBC Radio 3 will expand its classical canon to be more representative, re-appraise the commissioning process and commit to ongoing action.
Following the success of BBC Radio 3’s dedicated focus on increasing the representation of female composers, the executive proposed to increase diversity by broadcasting music recordings of more composers from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, both historical and present day, and by researching and specially recording repertoire that is currently unavailable.
In a final pledge, Alan Davey committed to reconvening the conference in 12-18 months to ensure on-going discussions that will result in real action across the industry.
He said: ‘Today’s Radio 3 and BASCA diversity in composition conference has brought the industry together to discuss all debates on how to support diversity in classical music so we can encourage real talent to flourish. We want to work with others to make lasting change across the industry. I said I wanted to ensure this conference effected real change, because as an industry we need to do this to get the best possible quality work from the broadest of backgrounds in order for classical music to grow, and to reflect our society and the talent that will emerge.
Alan continued: ‘If we as an industry can all pledge to make at least one change in how we do things, then we stand to make a real difference. I am proud to commit to changes at our end as a leading commissioner and promoter of classical music and look forward to seeing others take the first steps towards what I hope will be lasting change.’
He also announced a new BBC Radio 3 classical musical work for the Chineke Orchestra to be broadcast on BBC Radio 3. The work would be from a composer not previously commissioned by the station and chosen in consultation with Chi Chi Nwanoku, the orchestra’s director, and the BBC commissioning board.
Read our recent feature on the challenges and opportunities facing contemporary classical composers.
