<\/p>\n
Black Lives in Music (BLiM) and Warner Classics have expanded their partnership aimed at <\/span>nurturing the next generation of classical talent<\/span><\/a> and removing barriers for Black and under-represented musicians and composers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Now entering its second cycle, the Classically Black Mentorship Programme has delivered measurable outcomes, including <\/span>Rebekah Reid<\/span><\/a> signing a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music following her participation in the scheme.<\/span><\/p>\n As the partnership enters its next phase, five young artists from BLiM\u2019s \u2018The Next Movement\u2019 cohort have been paired with prominent music industry leaders for a new mentorship initiative.<\/span><\/p>\n The participants \u2013 cellist Hoda Jahanpour, clarinettist Mebrakh Haughton-Johnson, singer\/pianist Michael Howell, pianist Teddy Otieno and vocalist\/pianist Zara Williams \u2013 will be paired with Sean Michael Gross, VP, Warner Classics UK & North America; KaraTamir Mukerjee, strategy & innovation, Warner Classics; <\/span>Andrew Howell, VP sync, Warner Chappell Music<\/span><\/a>; Harriet Wybor, general manager, Royal Philharmonic Society; and Sam McShane, artistic director, Kings Place.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These leaders will provide guidance and support on essential industry pillars, including A&R, marketing, sync, copyright and business administration.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n The success stories coming out of this scheme prove that when opportunity meets talent, the entire classical community benefits<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Roger Wilson<\/p>\n
\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n This year\u2019s programme was launched at a recent event held at WCM\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Egyptian operatic soprano Fatma Said, who co-hosted the first year\u2019s event, provided a virtual introduction.<\/span><\/p>\n Since first coming together in 2024, BLiM and <\/span>Warner Classics<\/span><\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This year\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n