Black Lives in Music is excited to share that Ammal Bhatia is serving as Conductor in Residence for the London Schools Symphony Orchestra (LSSO), a role he began in September 2024. This residency, created in partnership with Guildhall Young Artists and BLiM, is dedicated to nurturing diverse talent and championing greater representation within classical music.
As part of his role, Ammal has been working closely with the LSSO to inspire, mentor, and elevate young orchestral musicians from all backgrounds. His vision for the role is rooted in ensuring that every talented musician has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background.
Reflecting on his experience so far, Ammal emphasised the importance of supporting young musicians and providing them with opportunities to excel:
“I think youth orchestras are the lifeblood of music education in this country.”
In a recent interview with the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Ammal shared his insights on the industry’s current challenges and his aspirations for greater inclusivity within classical music. As a talented conductor of South Asian heritage, Ammal’s journey offers valuable perspective on broadening access and making lasting change.
His work with LSSO is about more than mentorship—it’s about creating pathways for young musicians to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to excel. Through his residency, Ammal aims to foster creativity and confidence in the next generation of classical talent, while also encouraging meaningful change within the sector.
To read the full interview and gain deeper insights from Ammal’s experience as Conductor in Residence, visit the Guildhall School of Music & Drama’s website.