When was your last really great conversation about classical music? What did you say? Who did it involve? Where did it lead?

At the RPS, we love to bring people together who possess our passion and conviction for all that classical music does in society. Last year, we introduced a new annual event The RPS Conversation where music-lovers and music-makers can take time out from daily obligations and connect with like-minds and refresh your outlook.

Think about the current challenges classical music is facing: funding turmoil, stark headlines, the threat of another university music department closing… What if such things were directly shaped by the national conversation about classical music: who’s talking about it, who’s not, what they’re saying, and what they’re not saying…?

Imagine you personally had the scope to curate that conversation. What would you say? Whose voices would you draw upon? What do you feel needs to be heard?

At the RPS, we believe there’s a better conversation about classical music to be nurtured nationwide, and it starts with each of us individually. Across an afternoon, in a positive and supportive setting, we invite you to talk about the music you love, and why you love it. Let’s remind ourselves why classical music is so worth talking about. Together we’ll reflect why the essence of classical music isn’t resonating like it should, and what each of us can do to change that for good…

Our event runs from 1.00 to 6.00pm. For the most effective conversation, this particular occasion is limited to 60 participants, so we encourage early booking. Admission is £20 including refreshments.

RPS Members and RPS Corporate Members have priority booking from 11am on Wednesday 4 June. To do this, they should log into Backstage, the dedicated members area of our website, linked here. Public booking is from 11am on Friday 6 June, on the page of our website you are currently viewing.

‘It was brilliant to be among so many interesting and influential people in classical music and to hear the problems and solutions being discussed. Every detail was so carefully considered.’  Imogen Whitehead, Principal Trumpet, Britten Sinfonia

‘How often do you get a moment to pause… and collectively engage in driving forward positive change in your industry? The RPS Conversation offered a space where people could be open, honest and vulnerable… and connect with brilliant creatives from all areas of the sector to draw fresh energy and agency to take forward that change.’  Nick Thorne, Chief Executive, Orchestras for All

Admission wholly goes towards venue hire and logistical costs. If you have the means, we invite you to consider becoming an RPS Member: a gesture that directly helps musicians and UK music-making through our year-round charitable ventures. It starts from just £5 a month and you can find out more about RPS Membership here. As a charity, we dearly rely on this kind of support to keep doing everything we can for the good of music.