Black Lives in Music (BLiM) and Warner Classics have expanded their partnership aimed at nurturing the next generation of classical talent and removing barriers for Black and under-represented musicians and composers.
Now entering its second cycle, the Classically Black Mentorship Programme has delivered measurable outcomes, including Rebekah Reid signing a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music following her participation in the scheme.
As the partnership enters its next phase, five young artists from BLiM’s ‘The Next Movement’ cohort have been paired with prominent music industry leaders for a new mentorship initiative.
The participants – cellist Hoda Jahanpour, clarinettist Mebrakh Haughton-Johnson, singer/pianist Michael Howell, pianist Teddy Otieno and vocalist/pianist Zara Williams – will be paired with Sean Michael Gross, VP, Warner Classics UK & North America; KaraTamir Mukerjee, strategy & innovation, Warner Classics; Andrew Howell, VP sync, Warner Chappell Music; Harriet Wybor, general manager, Royal Philharmonic Society; and Sam McShane, artistic director, Kings Place.
These leaders will provide guidance and support on essential industry pillars, including A&R, marketing, sync, copyright and business administration.
The success stories coming out of this scheme prove that when opportunity meets talent, the entire classical community benefits
Roger Wilson
This year’s programme was launched at a recent event held at WCM’s London office. Alongside the partnering, mentees were provided with an opportunity to tour the WCM studios, network with other industry execs, participate in a Q&A session with pianist Shani Diluka, and attend the second annual Classically Black Networking Breakfast.
Egyptian operatic soprano Fatma Said, who co-hosted the first year’s event, provided a virtual introduction.
Since first coming together in 2024, BLiM and Warner Classics have collaborated on several initiatives to drive diversity in the classical world, including the annual Classically Black symposium, which features performances, workshops, panel discussions and showcases by artists from under-represented backgrounds, providing an opportunity to spotlight their work on a wider stage.
This year’s event will be held on Saturday, October 10 at Kings Place for the third year in a row, with tickets on sale from April 20.
Sean Michael Gross, VP, Warner Classics UK & North America, said: “At Warner Classics, we are committed to fostering a more inclusive classical music landscape that reflects the diverse world we live in. Seeing the real world impact of this program in Rebekah Reid’s signing to Warner Chappell demonstrates the importance of this programme and the pathways it creates. We are excited to welcome this new cohort of gifted musicians and look forward to seeing how they shape the future of our industry.”
Roger Wilson, co-founder, Black Lives in Music, added: “We’re thrilled to be expanding our partnership with Warner Classics. By pairing our emerging talent with industry leaders, we aren’t just offering guidance; we are providing access to the networks and resources necessary for a sustainable career in classical music. The success stories coming out of this scheme prove that when opportunity meets talent, the entire classical community benefits.”
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‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.musicweek.com ’
