Let’s shine a light on diversity.

In February 2021 we ran our second series of online discussions with industry-leading experts, delving into current and emerging issues in the classical music world, with a focus on diversity.

Shining a Light is designed and accessible for anyone, regardless of your musical knowledge or experience. Topics focus on leadership, communication, and gender and cultural diversity, curated through the eyes of a conductor.

Six online discussions are offered - to join live or purchase afterwards - with eminent professionals from within and outside of the music industry.

An additional package of seminars and masterclasses is available as an add-on for conductors, but are also open to observers.

Full details below.

The Job.

What does conducting have to do with you? It may be closer than you think. Founder and conductor Rebecca Miller discusses the role of a conductor, what’s involved in the job and the extensive decision-making involved.  

Monday 22 February, 1400-1530

Psyched Out.

The Psychology of the orchestra
In order for any leader to do their job, they must understand the jobs of their team. Founder and conductor Rebecca Miller takes us inside the orchestra and helps us understand how it works.

Monday 22 February, 1600-1730

A Woman in a Man’s World.

Women leaders have particular challenges. Let’s hear from some professionals from within and outside the music industry about their experience in the top job.

Guests: Laura Hutton, Roxanna Panufnik, Jacyln Chernett

Tuesday 23 February, 1400-1530

Each day will finish with an optional networking forum to share ideas and chat more informally. 

Our guests:

Back to the Floor.

The musicians’ viewpoint
In order to understand our job, we need to understand our team, so let’s hear directly from some orchestral musicians. We will be pleased to welcome three renowned orchestral musicians to discuss their perspective.

Guests: Shari Mason, Maxine Kwok, Clifton Harrison

Tuesday 23 February, 1900-2030

The Network.

A conductor not only works with the onstage team, but has to work within organisations and collaborate with managers and administrators. We are joined by prominent orchestral administrators and managers to hear what they look for in a conductor.

Guests: Helen Wallace, Jimena Lara, Simon Woods

Friday 26 February, 1400-1530

Shining a Light.

Gender and racial diversity in classical music.

Despite huge efforts in the industry in recent years, diversity in classical music still has a long way to go. We are joined by prominent industry professionals for discussion on what still needs doing.

Guests: Matthew Swann, Tai Murray, Genevieve Arkle

Friday 26 February, 1600-1730

Each day will finish with an optional networking forum to share ideas and chat more informally. 

Masterclasses.

Up to six conductors have the opportunity to participate in a conducting masterclass with Beyond Borders’ Founder and Conductor Rebecca Miller. Masterclasses use pre-recorded video performances as the basis for one-to-one workshops and discussions about conducting technique. 

Sunday 28 February

Wrap Up.

All masterclass participants and the lead tutor(s) have the opportunity to reflect on the experience of Shining a Light series.

Networking.

We finish our final day with our last networking forum to share ideas and chat more informally.