On the 14th January
2016, the Black British Classical Foundation (BBCF) held an evening reception
at the House of Commons hosted by his chairman, Vincent Osborne, to celebrate the work and forthcoming BBCF 2016 season.
We were indulge in the experience of NYETIMBER English Sparkling Wine and were also served MINUS 33, a pretty special spirit, accompanied by a tempting
array of delicious cheeses produced in the English county of Yorkshire.
Being a perfect host, Vincent entertained
his guests with his warm laughter, distinctive voice and charming demeanour.
We were greatly impressed by the quality of speakers and the sheer finesse of the performances of the opera singers.
The Event Photographer was Kojo Oteng-Sarpong.
1. Tell us about
yourself.
Vincent Osborne was born with the entrepreneur's blood in
his veins.
Earlier in life, Vincent was the creator of the first Black
Soap Opera – “Brothers and Sisters” on BBC2. He is also responsible for co-writing 2 musicals and he is currently writing a TV drama comedy.
In the 1980's,Vincent moved to Brixton with his young family
just after the riots. For him, that was the opportunity to fulfil his ambition
and he created and owned the award-winning Caribbean food restaurant,The
Brixtonian, and a rum shop.
After focusing on the food industry, Vincent’s lifetime
passion for opera and classical music inspired him to set up the Black British
Classical Foundation (BBCF).
2. What is the Black
British Classical Foundation aims?
For many years Vincent has been involved with the
development and financial support of young black opera singers through platform
performances involvement in the Covent Garden Festival and annual tour of the
Caribbean Island promoting Black British Classical performers and their music.
The BBCF aims to promote and support Black and Asian
Communities on the operatic and classical stage across the UK and throughout
the Commonwealth.
3. We understand you
have devoted much of your work with the development and financial support of
young black opera singers through platform performances. Which artists would
you recommend that we listen to first in order to get a feel for this music?
The names to look out for are Nadine Benjamin. Ronald Samm,
Elizabeth Llewellyn, Grace Nyandoro, Anna Anandarajah and Peter Brathwaite.
4. What is the most
challenging aspect of being a black classical singer and trying to gain the
respect from mainstream media?
The biggest problem for the young BAME (Black Asian Minority
Ethnic) singer, is simply opportunity to show their God-given talent!
5. When did blacks people first develop a presence in opera?
The first black opera singer who made a name for herself was
Marian Anderson.
A wonderful lady who was not only committed to being an
opera singer but was very involved within the equality struggle which still
goes on today. One of her most memorable performance was on the steps of the
Lincoln Memorial due to her being Black.
6. Do you feel like
the opera is portrayed as an art form mostly associated with white elite audiences
and performers?
Yes, but like most things in Great Britain it is all about
Class.
What is not often considered is that the class structure is
constantly being challenged and changes.
New groups take up the middle ground and so the arts have
different colours added to the tapestry.
If this was to be applauded and supported by those at the
top, then the British Cultural Scene would be the best in the world and show
others the way forward and best practice.
7. Do we need more
black and multi-ethnic opera’s singer positive role models to attract younger
generations?
Yes.
8. If you could be
someone from history for a day, who would it be and why?
Martin Luther King!
King’s speech is arguably the greatest speech in history.
I would like to make the one speech to galvanize the world
that music and the making of music can change lives and that it is a right that
all children must be given the opportunity to explore.
9. What does the
upcoming year look like for the Black British Classical Foundation?
We have a challenging but most exciting year ahead for the
Black British Classical Foundation. This season we will present from small
recitals to a large three day outdoor music festival, in doing so achieving our
aims of taking Opera to new audiences and venues.
Our major project, however is a biannual competition, “The
Voice of Black Opera” for BAME singers from the British Commonwealth.
This competition, supported by the Royal Opera House &
Wigmore Hall, has the potential to change the lives of the winners. The
previous winner was Elizabeth Llewellyn from Jamaica who has gone on to sing a
number of prestigious roles including the lead role, Mimi, in La Bohème with
the English National Opera.
I know that you are aware of the powerful influence of and
the need for positive role models in our society. They act as enablers for the
next generation to say, “Yes, I can do that!” whether it is in sport, science,
or the arts… and with your help we can tackle a challenge that has yet to be
overcome. We face a situation in the Arts where ethnic minorities are under-represented in the field of Opera.
For more information
about Black British Classical Foundation, Partnership and Sponsorship
programme, or if you would like to become a member and receive updates about performances,
events and opportunities please contact BBCF at bbcfa@asapcomms.co.uk
Image Ⓒ Kojo Oteng-Sarpong
Q&A by Vanity Afro on 10/02/2016.
