New British Documentary to Explore Racial Diversity in Classical Music

BBC Four has announced the upcoming release of a new documentary which will explore racial diversity and access in classical music

Britain’s BBC Four television network has today announced the upcoming release of a new 60 minute documentary, entitled ‘Young, Gifted and Classical’ - which will explore issues such as race, diversity and access in classical music.

The programme's Executive Producer has suggested subjects will include 17 year old '2016 BBC Young Musician of the Year’ cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason - the first black winner in the history of the prestigious national competition.

SHEKU KANNE-MASON | SHOSTAKOVICH CELLO CONCERTO NO. 1 | 2016 BBC ‘YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR’ GRAND FINAL | 1ST PRIZE

The programme will also follow the work of Chi-chi Nwanoku and the development of the Chineke! Orchestra - Europe’s first professional orchestra of Black & minority ethnic musicians.

“I really hope this programme will inspire other young people from all backgrounds to take up classical music,” Sheku has said.

“Perhaps the documentary can go somewhere towards showing that classical music should be for everyone ...” the young cellist has urged.

The documentary will air in Britain in November as part of the network’s ‘Black and British’ series.