Classically Black: Half Day Pass

Part of Classically Black 2026 – London Edition, a growing cultural movement redefining what classical music looks and sounds like today, this vibrant programme celebrates new voices and perspectives rooted in Black and global majority experiences. For a flexible festival experience, choose the half-day pass and explore a curated selection of events at Kings Place.

Under The Skin, One People – A thought-provoking panel on race, identity and representation in classical music. Moderated by Carol Leeming, with Michael Howell, Victoria Oruwari and Berginald Rash.

Keyboard Warriors – a lively afternoon of keynote insight and live performance celebrating innovation and individuality in classical music. Featuring Oli Rose of the Lang Lang Foundation, plus performances from Rebeca Omordia, Yshani Perinpanayagam and Okiem with strings, the session offers an inspiring snapshot of contemporary classical talent, creativity and representation through the Classically Black lens.

Free tickets for the Children and Young People’s Music Workshop Sharing Session in Hall One at 12:45pm need to be booked separately.

Throughout the day, the five screens on level minus two will feature a display of composers through history, curated by Dwight Pile Gray.

BSL interpretation and additional access support will be available across the day.

About Black Lives in Music

Talent is distributed evenly, opportunities are not! Black Lives in Music addresses the current inequality of opportunity for Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse people aspiring to be artists or professionals in the Jazz and Classical music industry. Black Lives in Music believes in real equality for Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse people to learn musical instruments at the grassroots level and to allow them to pursue and realise their musical ambitions.

Black Lives in Music is made up of over 100 partners who are all working towards the same goal: to dismantle structural racism in our industry. We aim to support the industry in providing better professional opportunities. We also want to achieve equality for Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse professionals at all levels and in all areas of the UK Jazz and Classical industry. Representation matters; we need to take action together and create a level playing field for everyone to have an equal chance to succeed.