Revere Arts, in partnership with Mark Pemberton Arts, will present “Class Ceiling: A new conference dedicated to tackling the socio-economic barriers that shape access, opportunity, and progression in the classical music industry,” on Dec. 9, 2025.

The one-day event hosted by Guildhall School of Music & Drama, will unite leaders, educators, and musicians to confront class barriers in classical music. Speakers include representatives from the Musicians’ Union, ABRSM, Arts Council England, PRS for Music, Royal Albert Hall, and major UK conservatoires. The conference focuses on the question, “What needs to change for classical music to become genuinely inclusive?”

Baroness Thangam Debbonaire, the former Shadow Culture Secretary and recently appointed CEO of Opera UK, will open the conference, followed by Dr Anna Bull presenting new insights on class and access in classical music, setting the agenda for the day. The panel discussions that follow will build on growing concerns about the social and economic inequalities that determine who can enter and remain in the classical music industry. Speakers will examine the full pipeline from music education and conservatoires through to professional life, asking what each part of the ecosystem can do differently. Following a break-out session, composer and advocate for tackling class barriers in classical music, Gavin Higgins will give the closing speech.

Speaking about Class Ceiling in a press release Elise Brown, Director of Revere Arts, said, “Most of my charity and Board level work sits outside of classical music, to examine and change not just creating access but the pipeline from early years right through to logistically getting into that room. Through this conference, we want to prioritize this issue and spend a day together creating lasting impact, not just discussing the issue and moving on.”

“Class Ceiling” will take place form 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at theMilton Court Theatre.

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