Black Lives in Music presents Classically Black

Saturday 10 October 2026, 11.15am to 12.45pm
St Pancras Room, Kings Place
Panel Moderator: Carol Leeming MBE
Panellists: Michael Howell, Victoria Oruwari, Berginald Rash
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes approx.

Now in its third year, Classically Black continues to pose vital questions about what classical music is, who it speaks to, and how it remains relevant in the 21st century. By creating space for honest and necessary dialogue, the series invites audiences and artists alike to reconsider long-held assumptions about the genre and the structures that shape it.

This year’s panel, Under the skin, one people, focuses on the experiences and challenges faced by those with intersectional identities, including race, within the world of classical music. Moderated by Carol Leeming, the discussion brings together Michael Howell, Victoria Oruwari, and Berginald Rash, who will share their perspectives on identity, visibility, opportunity, and participation across the sector today.

Together, the panel will explore how personal and professional experiences intersect, and what meaningful inclusion and representation can look like in practice. The conversation aims to be both reflective and forward-looking, acknowledging barriers while also considering pathways to change.

Audience questions will be invited towards the end of the session, creating further opportunity for exchange and engagement. Thought provoking and timely, this event offers a valuable space for open conversation about belonging, equity, and the future of classical music.