BBC Radio 3 Controller Alan Davey pledges changes to encourage inclusion and diversity in classical music

Alan Davey, Controller BBC Radio 3, BBC Proms and BBC Performing Groups, closed the inaugural Diversity and Inclusion in Classical Composition Conference run by BBC Radio 3 and BASCA, by committing to a raft of action points.

Prior to the conference, which took place at the RNCM in Manchester, he had said he wanted to ensure ‘real action’.

Following the debates raised he announced BBC Radio 3 would be:

• Expanding the BBC Radio 3’s classical canon to be more representative and to feature unjustly neglected composers
• Reappraising the commissioning process based on advice and discussion at the conference
• Commissioning a new work, announced today, for Chineke! Orchestra to perform
• Committing to reconvening the conference to ensure on-going action

Following the success of BBC Radio 3’s dedicated focus on increasing the representation of female composers, Davey committed to Radio 3 taking the lead in expanding the perceived classical canon of composers. He proposed to do this by broadcasting music recordings of more composers from BAME backgrounds, both historical and present day, and by researching and specially recording repertoire that is currently unavailable. “The key criteria should be musical excellence and interest” Davey said.

As a starting point for this new focus, composer Shirley J Thompson has already curated a page on the BBC Radio 3 website, highlighting some of the major BAME composing names of the past.

BBC Radio 3 is the most significant commissioner of contemporary classical music and as part of this commitment; Alan Davey said he would reappraise BBC Radio 3’s new music commissioning process to capture composers from wider backgrounds. An immediate change would be to invite, for the first time, rotating external representatives to join the commissioning board to ensure greater transparency and for decision making to benefit from the wide range of advice and experience of people from many different backgrounds throughout the industry.

Davey also announced a new BBC Radio 3 classical musical work for Chineke! Orchestra that will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3. The work would be from a composer who has not previously been commissioned by the station and would be chosen in consultation with Chi-chi Nwanoku, the orchestra’s founder and director, and the BBC commissioning board.

In a final pledge, Alan Davey committed to reconvening the conference in 12-18 months to ensure on-going discussions that will result in real action across the industry.

Alan Davey says: “Today’s Radio 3 and BASCA diversity in composition conference has brought the industry together to discuss all debates on how to support diversity in classical music so we can encourage real talent to flourish. We want to work with others to make lasting change across the industry. I said I wanted to ensure this conference effected real change, because as an industry we need to do this to get the best possible quality work from the broadest of backgrounds in order for classical music to grow, and to reflect our society and the talent that will emerge. If we as an industry can all pledge to make at least one change in how we do things, then we stand to make a real difference. I am proud to commit to changes at our end as a leading commissioner and promoter of classical music and look forward to seeing others take the first steps towards what I hope will be lasting change.”

EM2