Classical music in British society

Tom Service explores classical music's place in British society, in light of the current national debates around funding from Arts Council England and the proposed cuts to the BBC's performing groups. The programme asks questions about how classical music and opera is valued, and how it resonates with today's diverse communities, through perspectives from within the UK and from abroad, from former culture minister Ed Vaizey to multidisciplinary artist Nwando Ebizie. Richard McKerrow, the producer behind Channel 4's The Piano, on classical music on TV and the impact he hopes the series will have on our musical life. Sarah Price from Liverpool University, on her research into audiences: why do we return to the familiar when choosing which concerts to attend? Kully Thiarai, creative director and CEO of Leeds 2023, on the importance of the arts and culture for community and belonging. Andrew Mellor, a British journalist in Denmark, on the relationship the Nordic countries have with classical music, and why it's different in the UK. Bobby Duffy from the Policy Institute at King's College London, on how the arts and classical music fit into the culture wars debate. Nwando Ebizie, the multidisciplinary artist, on working with Aurora Orchestra on "Inside Beethoven" and making events work for D/deaf audiences. Ed Vaizey, Member of the House of Lords and former culture minister, on perceptions and political decision-making around the arts and music.