23 September 2026
Black Lives in Music (BLiM) announces the return of Classically Black at Kings Place, London, on Saturday 10th October 2026. Following two hugely impactful sold-out years, the one-day event continues its mission to celebrate and elevate Black and global majority musicians and composers in classical music, past and present.
Classically Black is more than a festival. It is a growing cultural movement redefining what classical music looks and sounds like today. Rooted in Black and global majority experiences, the programme celebrates and elevates musicians and composers in classical music, past and present, through performance, discussion, youth engagement and new talent.
Now in its third year, Classically Black is an established highlight of the classical music calendar. The first black and global majority classical music festival has built a legacy, spotlighting musicians, composers and artists from global majority backgrounds. The two previous editions saw stunning performances from Ayanna Witter-Johnson and Laura Mvula with an array of new talent.
The Next Movement partnership with Warner Classics has been running since the start of Classically Black and has mentored 10 musicians so far. The DECCA label is also a partner, helping fund the event and platform the incredible talent it showcases.
“Classically Black puts Black and global majority musicians at the centre of the stage, where they are not just performing the classical tradition but reinventing it. The creativity and ambition of these players is where classical music is heading next. They are bringing new ideas, new energy and new audiences to a genre that has too often kept its doors closed, and they are doing it on their own terms. That is what makes this day so special. It is a celebration of everything these musicians are, and a real glimpse of where the artform is going”
“Classically Black is the future of classical music for all audiences to hear, and we would love for people to come to Kings Place this October and be part of it.” – Charisse Beaumont, Chief Executive, Black Lives In Music
“Classical music is at its most powerful when it reflects the world around us, and through our support of ‘The Next Movement’ showcase, we’re proud to play our part in championing talented musicians from diverse backgrounds, building a more inclusive, vibrant future for the industry.” – Sean Gross, Warner Classics
The 2026 edition opens with ‘Under the Skin, One People’ a panel discussion moderated by British-Jamaican poet, playwright, singer and multidisciplinary artist from Leicester Carol Leeming MBE. Joined by neuro-divergent pianist Michael Howell, Nigerian born, London based soprano Victoria Oruwari and clarinetist Berginald Rash, the panel focuses on the challenges faced by those with intersectional identities, including race, taking part in classical music.