CLASSICAL
A new approach to classical live music
STEWART COPELAND ' S POLICE DERANGED FOR ORCHESTRA
Moema Parrott, CEO of the Harrison Parrott Group and the founder of Polyarts, says classical music sits at a crossroads, with the whole ecosystem facing serious consequences if it cannot appeal to wider audiences. She tells Access how her companies are striving to making live classical music more commercially viable.
The Harrison Parrott Group( HPG) has a long history of being a disruptor in the live classical music world by bringing together rock and pop artists since it was fiunded some 55 years ago. Among its many previous projects include Led Zeppelin at the Reykjavik Festival in 1970 and Metallica with the Berliner Symphoniker at the Berlin Wall in 1999.
Through Polyarts, Parrot has established a roster of diverse, multifaceted, artists and projects including
Stewart Copeland’ s Police Deranged for Orchestra, Cypress Hill: Symphonic and Beck’ s recent orchestral shows at venues including the Royal Albert Hall. Her aim is to build new audiences for classical music, make it more accessible for the masses, and break the status quo around how classical artists are managed.
What are the biggest challenges facing the live classical music sector?
Over the past five to seven years, accelerated by Covid, the classical music industry has undergone major shifts in audience expectations, programming, and funding. Traditional models are being replaced by more commercially driven approaches, with declining subsidies forcing orchestras, venues, and artists to rethink ticketing, programming, and career sustainability.
The rise of streaming and playlist culture has also changed how classical music is consumed. Subscription models are shrinking in favour of diverse concert offerings. Our group has embraced these changes, collaborating with artists and
MOEMA PARROTT
partners to adapt, innovate, and build a more resilient future. An important mindset change is needed, and this is not easy but working with our artists, our key partners and organisations we are leading the change.
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