'Classical music is too exclusive'

[Lat-Literal]

I don't think that was quite the same as what Mr Tipps was saying. These are projects - like the BBC's Ten Pieces - which take the music out to whole communities, as against the tokenistic, tick-box promotion of individuals (and in the case of Eleanor Alberga (et al) in a way which is in itself racist, however well-meaning).

Yes absolutely.

That extends to "why have a black actor talking about music at the Proms?" which could appear to have been decided on the basis of both race and broadening appeal. On another programme there was Julian Joseph and it was right he was there. It is the case that such inclusions are noteworthy to people of all backgrounds in a way that Trevor McDonald used to be but news broadcasting has moved on. Given that a lot of music begins in schools, the current situation whether it is composition or programming or audiences - and all of the various sensitivities - should be transitional. But we won't decide such things, having given several tools. It is for those much younger - of all colours - to decide their fate.

[french frank]

Last Saturday's Music Matters focuses on 'Classical Music’s Diversity Deficit: BAME Composers'.

Given that Radio 3 is centred on classical music, the vast majority of which was composed 100, 200, 300 years ago, this Radio 3 conference seems to be the way that R3 both 'updates' itself and shows its relevance: by not being caught on the back foot when, often unintelligent, commentators use the 'exclusivity' bludgeon to attack the 'classical music world', but by taking the lead and confronting the problem, admitting that it matters. If nothing else, it can highlight the fact that classical music is not just about 'dead, white, males'.

[jean]

Especially not during October, which is Black History Month.