This event launches the new edited collection Voices for Change in the Classical Music Profession: New Ideas for Tackling Inequalities and Exclusions (Oxford University Press, 2023).
This book asks how the classical music industry is responding to the challenges of #MeToo, Black Lives Matter, and other social justice movements, and whether increasing attention to equity and diversity in the classical music profession over recent years is leading to systemic change. In the book, scholars, activists and musicians from countries across Europe and North America analyze inequalities in the classical music profession and introduce strategies for making change. Exploring racism, class and gender inequalities, disability representation, "authenticity", changing the canon, and neoliberalism, the book brings together analyses from academics alongside contributions from musicians and industry leaders working in the classical music industry who reflect on issues of diversity and share insights and best practices. As such, it will be a significant point of reference for musicians, students, classical music administrators, policy-makers, teachers, and academics — and anyone else who wants to make classical music more inclusive.
At this launch event the editors will introduce the new book, and we will hear from musicians, activists and academics in the classical music industry about what it means for ways forward for classical music.
