Join two outstanding artists as they share their thoughts on making music in modern times.

Classical musicians are renowned for their expressivity onstage, but what do they have to say beyond the music? Internationally celebrated for their eloquent artistry, meet two artists who also share ardent convictions about music’s essential role in a rapidly changing world.

For this latest in our series of new events, we initially planned to bring together mezzo soprano Dame Sarah Connolly and harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani. With regret, Dame Sarah has had to withdraw from the event and we wish her all the very best at the current time.

We are very grateful to welcome in her place the sensational Principal Guest Conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra François-Xavier Roth. Fittingly, both Mahan and François-Xavier were shortlisted for the 2019 Royal Philharmonic Society Awards and are both artists in their prime, sure to have a lively, insightful conversation sharing their hopes, concerns and passions for music.

Our Awards panel applauded François-Xavier for his ‘creativity and charisma… he energises everything and there’s a magic to his work.’ They called Mahan ‘a fine musician and irresistible performer who has brought such intelligence, wit, curiosity and charisma to the harpsichord. A passionate advocate who, whatever he does, always inspires thought.’