On May 17, 2022 the global music gathering Classical:NEXT returned with the opening gala NEXT:MATTERS! Presented by Black Lives in Music in collaboration with British Underground, supported by Arts Council England and the BPI. Featuring two new commissions by award winning British Composers/Cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson and Saxophonist/Composer Jason Yarde rounded up by Hannover-based Asambura-Ensemble.
NEXT:MATTERS shined a light on racial diversity and excellence in classical music, as it should be in the 21st century.
The evening displayed an exhilarating programme of groove-based classical music infused with Afro-Carribbean vibes and we could not be happier with how it all turned out.
We are very proud of what we achieved and BLiM wants to thank everyone involved in making this memorable event happen!
If you missed the live-stream, you can rewatch the Opening Ceremony on our YouTube channel.
