Our work
As a charity, we’re addressing the lack of representation of ethnic minorities – from performers to
communities with access to performances – in the field of opera, and classical arts in general.
Our mission
Black, white, asian, minorities of all ethnicities – opera is a space and place for everyone. To sing,
to dance, to be inspired. But, as it stands, opera audiences and stages don’t fully represent BAME
communities. We want to change that.
Black British Classical Foundation exists for the purpose of nurturing an interest and participation in the classical arts, in particular, Opera, amongst communities of colour in the UK and beyond.
In 2015, King’s College London found that of 17 British orchestras, only 1.7 percent of their members
came from a BAME background. Worse still, modern classical audiences seem to be reflecting that. BAME
communities may be overlooked as performers or perhaps made to feel unwelcome by predominantly white
spaces… whether unconsciously or not. Whatever the reasons, the classical arts are missing out on new
voices and broader audiences.
The good news is that there is time to change that. And that time is now. At the Black British Classical
Foundation, our mission is three-fold:
1
Address the lack of diversity in opera.
2
Give BAME performers a platform to succeed in the industry.
3
Bring new audiences to the world of classical music.
Initiatives
Through our events, we represent BAME performers and inspire communities of colour to enjoy opera and
the classical arts. But, our flagship project is the Voice of Black Opera competition.
Supported by the Royal Opera House and Wigmore Hall, VOBO is a globally-recognised, biannual competition
that develops BAME artists, creates opportunities and inspires participation from audiences and
performers. The premise is simple: twenty singers from the commonwealth are brought to the UK, after a
series of heats they are reduced to six. These finalists perform a twenty-minute programme with a full
orchestra.
It’s a competition with big reward – the previous winner was Elizabeth Llewellyn from Jamaica, who went
on to land a lead role, Mimi, in La Boheme with the English National Opera – but the VOBO’s isn’t
about winning.
The real point for competitors, and of the competition itself, is about being seen and heard.
Participants take their experiences, and newly-honed abilities home, where they can pass inspiration on
to others. Not only is the winner catapulted into the spotlight, the event inspires and encourages many more.
Patrons
Vincent Osbourne
BBCF Performer and VOBOS 2018 winner
Trained at Birmingham Theatre School as an Actor and Teacher of Speech and Drama, Vincent has
worked extensively in repertory companies including The National Theatre, and the West End.
Vincent was the creator of the first Black Soap Opera - "Brothers and Sisters" on BBC2, before
going on to become a successful entrepreneur, sponsoring the Brixton Open an Arts Competition
from its conception. Now a campaigner, The Black British Classical Foundation is a continuation
and expansion of the work Vincent began in those early days, and is now set to culminate in the
Voice Of Black Opera.
Lord Boateng
BBCF Performer and VOBOS 2018 winner
Former MP Paul Boateng became the UK's first mixed-race Cabinet Minister in May 2002, when he
was appointed as Chief Secretary to the Treasury by Tony Blair. Following his departure from the
House of Commons, he served as the British High Commissioner to South Africa and was introduced
as a member of the House of Lords in 2010.
Grace-Melzia Bumbry
BBCF Performer and VOBOS 2018 winner
As one of opera's most controversial artists, Grace-Melzia Bumbry continues to make headlines.
With a 50-plus year career she is phenomenally preserved. Critics and audiences around the world
continue to cheer this celebrated artist, who garners remarkable coverage and incredible ovations
with reviews praising her as a national treasure, spectacular, spiritual and magnificent.
Outcomes
However our major project is a biannual competition 'Voice OF Black Opera' for BAME singers from the British Commonwealth.
This competition, supported by the Royal Opera House, The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment (The Band plays by permission of the Air Force Board of the Defence Council.) and ST CLEMENT DANES, has the potential to change the lives of the winners.
132
BAME performers took part in BBCF concerts
16
performers at major roles at opera houses
1k
of averge views of our online concert content
BBCF are in agreement with the Nolan Principles and have Adopted the Charity Commission Code of Practice.
Will you support change?
Changing the industry isn’t going to be easy, but it’s possible. Our success depends on the support of people like you. If you’d like to perform, raise funds or collaborate in any way, we’re all ears.
Contact us: [email protected] | +44 7855 800 212
Donate
© 2022 Black British Classical Foundation
Registered Charity 1156138