10 Feb 2016

Q&A: Vincent Osborne. Reception at The Speakers House.

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.




 Be happy, do the best you can, be good and be kind. x

13 comments:

  1. Benedict Roberts10.2.16

    I applaud the effort and energy Vincent has devoted to this good course. More awareness is a necessity to create a forum for the minorities to bring out the natural talent those young people have. I hope 2016 will revolutionise the black opera scene.

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  2. Anonymous11.2.16

    I never even knew this existed. Thanks for bringing this to light!

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  3. Thanks so much for the great read and showing me this great foundation!

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  4. Nice and informative article.

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  5. I wasn't aware of this society so thanks to this blog it has been brought to my attention. I hope the members continue to pursue the recognition they deserve. Ola.

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  6. Very insightful and interesting interview. Looking forward to your next post!

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  7. Dimitri12.2.16

    Opera
    Has a greater concentration of black performers, but singers challenges in casting.

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  8. I hope this will help to open the classical music world to a wider, more diverse audience. I always thought it was rather sad that the incredible ethnic mix we have in London wasn't more visible in the concert halls. Thanks for this article, it's good to hear about these initiatives.

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  9. I hope this will help to open the classical music world to a wider, more diverse audience. I always thought it was rather sad that the incredible ethnic mix we have in London wasn't more visible in the concert halls. Thanks for this article, it's good to hear about these initiatives.

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  10. Thank you for posting this interesting article. I knew that foundation through two friends of mine who are both amazing black opera singers. It is great that a foundation support black artists.

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  11. fariba B16.2.16

    As a ethnic minority in London I wa happy reading about the effort has been put in bringing the black talents in opra to light. Well don Vincent.

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  12. fariba B16.2.16

    As a ethnic minority in London I wa happy reading about the effort has been put in bringing the black talents in opra to light. Well don Vincent.

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  13. Anonymous7.3.16

    Fantastic article,congratulations

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