Dr Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason

Dr Kanneh-Mason has had a transformational impact on the appreciation of classical music amongst young people, ethnic minorities and the general public. She has demonstrated that international standard performance of classical music can be attained when a sustained commitment is made. She is an outstanding role model for ethnic minorities and specifically black women. Her contributions have been made despite experiencing considerable initial prejudice. Her election affirms the commitment of the Society to fostering the highest educational standards and specifically musical education and also strongly attests to the determination of the Society to be relevant to diverse communities.

Dr Kanneh-Mason’s contributions include:

– Outstanding impact on society more widely: her memoir, House of Music published in 2020; her second book To Be Young, Gifted and Black, published May 2025; Royal Philharmonic Society Storytelling Award in 2021; Indie Book Awards Non-fiction Prize in 2022; and BBC/CBS documentaries Young, Gifted and Classical and This House is Full of Music.

– Outstanding direct contribution to the education process: Her commitment to musical education, as exemplified by the remarkable achievements of her children, was recognised with the 2018 J.M. Barrie Lifetime Award and an ISM (Independent Society of Musicians) Distinguished Musician award in 2023.

Dr Kanneh-Mason’s many leadership roles include Honorary Friend of the British and International Federation of Music Festivals; a member of the Advisory Council Royal Philharmonic Society; a member of Board of Trustees on Real Talk TV, Music Masters and MISST (The Music in Secondary Schools Trust).