10 Classical Music thought leaders you should really be following
Over the last year we’ve seen incredible disruption to the classical music at a time when it was also struggling to keep up in a digital age. As a result, we need answers to the big questions which got me thinking a little…
Who do we turn to? Who will give us some answers to our big problems? Who are the thought leaders in classical music?
I actually opened this up to Twitter which brought about an unexpected question. What actually is a thought leader in classical music?
So, I Googled it and as you can imagine found a million and one naff business articles. But what I did find was a really nice definition on Wikipedia of what “thought leadership” is:
“Thought leadership is influencing a narrative by understanding what needs to be done.”
Back to Twitter and it was interesting to see who people suggested and what their reasons behind it were. Based on the Wikipedia definition and my own thoughts I came up with what thought leaders both are and are not in classical music.
Classical music thought leaders are not necessarily very good musicians. They may even not be musicians. Being famous and advocating for a topic generally also doesn’t make a classical music thought leader (anyone can say “we need more music education”)
But what a classical music thought leader is, is someone who is looking at our world and the problems our sector faces, and then creating original solutions to those problems, tackling abuse, and the influencing the narrative we all have.
So, in no particular order, here are my list of classical music thought leaders that we should all be following and listening to.
Aubrey Bergauer
If you’ve not come across Aubrey before, prepare to be bowled over by what seems like endless energy, enthusiasm, and dynamism a single mission to “change the narrative” of how the classical music world. All of this has led to her being described as “The Steve Jobs of classical music” (Observer).
Aubrey covers such a wide range of topics it’s hard to get into this, but they range from audience development, marketing, growing donor models, creating new systems, and how organisations can actively implement commitments to diversity.
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Weston Sprott
Where to begin? Weston is a trombonist in the Met Opera… Dean of the Preparatory Division at The Juilliard School… an active speaker, writer, and consultant for diversity and inclusion efforts in classical music and in 2020 he received the Sphinx Medal of Excellence. I’m assuming he’s cloned himself or has a copious amount of coffee every day.
Weston is the person on this list that I’ve come across most recently, and it’s been great to go back and read through past articles and blogs. My personal favourite is “youth, equal opportunities, and orchestral auditions”, but there is a treasure trove or articles ranging from diversity to education that are a must read and I’m already looking forward to following more in 2021.
Anne Midgette
Described as “one of the greatest chroniclers of classical music in the 20th century”, Anne was the woman to review classical music for New York Times, and is the former chief classical critic at the Washington Post. However, Anne is not on this list for reviewing concerts. She’s here for how she totally redefined that what music critic’s role is.
At the forefront of #MeToo movement in classical music, Anne, along with Peggy McGlone, published a comprehensive six-month investigation of sexual harassment in the business which exposed widespread abuse and cover ups. This saw a development of the role of “critic” into “journalist” which many in classical music have now followed.
Since stepping back from her position at the Washington Post to write a book, Anne is still as active as ever as a commentator, writer, and speaker who is never lacking for an incredibly insightful view on both the music and the industry.
Richard Morrison
Chief culture writer and chief music critic of The Times, Richard is another who has redefined the role and taken on big issues… and what a past 12 months he’s had.
The effects of Brexit on the arts, future of digital for orchestras, the “cult of the maestro” of course the Proms, Rule Britannia, and Black Lives Matter protest are among the many topics covered.
Regularly challenging the status quo and the established way of thinking, there’s always purpose, provocation, and an alternate way of doing things in Richard’s writings that is definitely worth listening to.
Chad Goodman
I can only think of one way to describe Chad… dynamic. One of the most enthusiastic and energetic people in the industry, with one of the most refreshing and forwarding thinking approaches to being a modern musician.
Before becoming conducting fellow at New World Symphony, Chad was already making waves with Forbes magazine identifying him as “bringing innovation to classical music”.
As well as his incredible insights to programming and education, Chad really comes into his own with music business and career tips, ranging from building up a teaching studio in a new city to networking.
Toks Dada
Where most of us spent most of lockdown and furlough life baking sourdough and watching Tiger King, Toks decided to tackle some of the big issues facing classical music in the digital age.
Starting off with blogging, Toks has also been an active speaker and panellist and has some genuinely unique thoughts about programming music during a digital age, as well innovation.
Over the last year, Toks made the change from Birmingham Symphony Hall to Head of Classical Music at Southbank Centre since December 2020. On top of that, he’s also the Guest Curator for Wonderfeel 2021 and Board Director at Welsh National Opera.
Zach Finkelstein
For the life of me, I do not know why Zach doesn’t have a larger following. Writing as the “Middle Class Artist”, Zach is endlessly active in standing up for those that need it, whether that’s exposing sexual harassment by a music journalist, uncovering scam competitions, or championing diversity.
Then there are the articles on the future of the industry, entrepreneurship, and innovation... the list of incredible ideas and meaningful output is endless. Zach is an absolute must follow.
Greg Sandow
I’ve was thinking of how to describe Greg, but honestly couldn’t do it better than this Twitter comment:
“Over the last 10 years or so Greg really laid out what the crisis we face might be”
He has been WAY ahead of the pack in identifying the issues we face in wider society, music education, and our organisations. Having been a critic for many years, Greg is now a consultant and teaches two courses at Julliard, “How to Speak and Write About Music” and “Classical Music in an Age of Pop”
His articles, blogs, and commentary over the last 10 years have provided insights and commentary that still seem revolutionary today, and has influenced so many carving a new future for the sector today.
James Murphy
One thing I’ve noticed about genuine leaders is that the never have to say they’re a leader, they embody it. I first saw James at the Association of British Orchestras conference and the first thing I noticed is that when James talks, people listen.
Currently the Chief Executive of the Royal Philharmonic Society, James is a dedicated champion of marginalised female talent. He has spoken out about the need for equality within the music sector, and been active in creating solutions.
Tasmin Little
2020 didn’t go as planned for most of us… but that can definitely be said for Tasmin. This was originally going to be her farewell tour as she steps back from performing, but has obviously been a little different than planned.
What has been great to see is how Tasmin has used her platform and the past 12 months. She’s been incredibly vocal when campaigning about musicians receiving support during the pandemic, is an ambassador for Help Musicians UK, and has a consistent track record of advocating music education.
As Tasmin enters this new chapter of her career away from the stage, I certain she’ll be keeping busy.
