Let us make the case that the most successful music conservatory is not in Paris, Vienna or Berlin but rather, in a house on a tree-lined street in Nottingham, England. It might be an unpretentious structure, but it’s there that seven extravagant talents were nourished on a variety of instruments before setting off to perform at the world’s great concert halls. When we first met them last winter, each of the seven was still under age 30, representing the young crossover stars that the ever-greying classical music world so urgently needs. Oh, and one other thing: they’re all siblings. presenting: the Kanneh-Masons. Amid the din, it’s hard to keep thoughts together, much less keep tempo, every room spoken for as the siblings practice Bach or Beethoven or Brahms. This was the setting that produced what is surely the most statistically improbable story in classical music history: seven siblings, each a virtuoso by almost any definition. The Kanneh-Mason siblings have toured the world, recorded chart-topping albums, and won prestigious awards. They perform with each other in every combination. This dynamic has helped them build a diverse young fanbase in a genre that seeks a wider audience.
Why It Matters
The Kanneh-Masons’ story is significant as it highlights the importance of familial support and nurturing environments in cultivating musical talent. The siblings’ upbringing in a household rich in musical exposure, despite their parents not having a grand plan for their musical careers, underscores a growing recognition of the social factors that contribute to artistic success. Their achievements reflect broader trends in classical music, where younger, diverse artists are increasingly sought after to engage new audiences and revitalize the genre, which has faced challenges in attracting younger listeners.
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