Exploring the reinvention of classical music

Sam Jackson, Controller, BBC Radio 3 & BBC Proms, provides insight into the genre's growing influence on popular culture

Today, Beyond The Music, the conference which aims to explore, define and shape the future of the music industry, programmed forward-thinking panel "The Reinvention of Classical Music – A New Era”. The conference took a groundbreaking step including classical music in it programming, breaking out of its traditional settings.

Curated by Classical Unlocked and PRS for Music, Daniel Lewis (Classical Relationship Manager at PRS for Music) led panellists Daria Challah, commentator and founder of Herbert Music, Sam Jackson, Controller, BBC Radio 3 and BBC Proms, Jeanette Szeto, student at the Royal Northern College of Music and co-founder of Valette Ensemble and Kathleen Wallfisch, music supervisor and founder of Music In Vision, in conversation.

Delving into how classical music is engaging new audiences outside of its sector, expanding its presence in modern media, and its role in shaping the future of music, the thought leaders and innovators from across the classical music world discussed the genre's growing influence on popular culture. Once confined to concert halls and niche audiences, classical music is now resonating with a broader audience through modern platforms, film, and media, solidifying its place in contemporary music spaces.

Having just come to the end of a BBC Proms season which saw the Royal Albert Hall filled to, on average, 96% capacity for our main evening concerts, there is no doubt in my mind that classical music firmly deserves to be considered mainstream. Whether it be on conference stages, in traditional venues, or unexpected spaces, it’s heartening to see classical music being celebrated alongside the many other wonderful genres of music in this country.

From immersive live performances to major film and television productions, it is clear that classical music has huge artistic and commercial potential. It has seen a sharp rise in engagement from young audiences through social media and streaming platforms in recent years. Our conversation at Beyond the Music underlined that classical music has a pivotal role to play in the future success of the UK music industry, and we are grateful to Beyond The Music for collaborating and bringing classical music to new places.

Visual media producers are currently welcoming both traditional and contemporary classical scoring, with increasing opportunities for composers and musicians to collaborate with film-makers. Consequently, audiences are already receptive listeners of classical music, whether consciously or not.

I think that the young people of today’s generation could have a lot of power in bringing classical music into the mainstream if we give them the space to do so.

It has been wonderful to be here with likeminded and inspiring classical music professionals talking about how to build the future of this musical tradition.

As part of Beyond The Music programming, Classical Unlocked will host a showcase on 12 October 2024 at Matt & Phreds in Manchester's Northern Quarter, featuring performances from Brasis, Vulva Voce, Hadewych Van Gent, and Alexandra Whittingham. The showcase, supported by RNCM, promises to introduce fresh talent to a new audience while reimagining how classical music can be heard in a live, dynamic setting.

About PRS for Music

Here for music since 1914, PRS for Music is a world-leading music collective management organisation representing the rights of more than 175,000 talented songwriters, composers and music publishers. Redefining the global standard for music royalties, PRS for Music ensures songwriters and composers are paid whenever their musical compositions and songs are streamed, downloaded, broadcast, performed and played in public. 

For 110 years it has grown and protected the rights of the music creator community, paying out royalties with more accuracy, transparency and speed. In 2023, PRS for Music paid out £943.6m in royalties and collected a record £1.08 billion in revenues. prsformusic.com