On June 16, 2023, Christina Scharff, Reader in Gender, Media, and Culture, King’s College London, and Anna Bull, Lecturer in Education and Social Justice, University of York, launched the book “Voices for Change in the Classical Music Profession: New Ideas for tackling Inequalities and Exclusions” at the St David’s room, Strand Campus. With Laudan Nooshin, Professor of Music, City, University London as an associate editor, Christina and Anna edited 27 articles exploring a range of national contexts, including Italy, Austria, Germany, the US, UK, France, Poland, Japan and Australia. 

Focusing on the classical music profession, including institutional training routes into the profession in the form of conservatoires, the edited collection written by scholars, artists and curators aims to centre the voices of those marginalised in relation to various intersecting axes of difference. For example, issues of ‘race’, gender, class, and disability are demonstrated by the chapters on higher music education. At the event, Christina Scharff said, “We are aware of the importance of including industry voices. Therefore, in the chapters and interviews, you will find artists talking about inclusion, exclusion and diversity.”

The term ‘classical music’ instead of ‘Western art music’ reflects how the research participants, musicians, and audiences talked about the music they play or practice. It is already a publicly recognised term, and the industry and the Musicians’ Union in England are using it. “Different authors have different takes on the definition of classical music. Discussing diversity means opening up a space for classical music to be different in other contexts, spaces, and people,” said Anna Bull. 

Ruby Aspinall, a Bolivian diaspora harp player, performed some compositions in front of musicians and students. Professor Rosa Reitsamer, Uchenna Ngwe, and Gillian Moore, CBE took part in a panel discussion.

The book is sold at here . 

Link to the book launch event for panellists’ bios, if you wanted to say more about them, is here.

(GDP)