The Recruiting Classical consortium was established by four major orchestras – Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra — in partnership with Black Lives in Music (BLiM) to create meaningful change in the British music scene. We’re thrilled that in recent months, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and London Philharmonic Orchestra have also committed to the programme as it continues to drive change.

Together, the group initiated a series of events to support orchestra players from the Global Majority. The programme has included an open and inclusive audition process, a series of workshops to develop audition experience, and the formation of a shared extra list. Musician-led Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Groups have ensured existing musicians remain central to the project and continue to shape its future.

Sessions at Lighthouse, Poole with the BSO in 2023

BLiM 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. Find out more about the organisation’s brilliant work here.

The annual ABO Conference, the UK’s leading classical music forum, took place in Bristol, bringing together over 350 delegates from every part of the industry from the UK and abroad (24-26 January). The Conference heard from prominent figures from across the worlds of music, culture, media and politics including Arts Minister Lord Parkinson, Shadow Culture Secretary Thangam Debbonaire MP, celebrated presenter Jonathan Dimbleby, Naomi Pohl, General Secretary, Musicians Union and Sam Jackson, Controller, BBC Radio 3. Find out more about this year’s ABO Classical Music award winners here.

We’re thrilled Recruiting Classical has been recognised with an ABO Classical Music Award win… watch this space for more as the programme continues.