26.04.2023: The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Music met musicians and key figures from the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) at Henry Wood Hall. The event coincided with the LPO’s preparations ahead of their performance of Mahler 5 at the Royal Festival Hall today (April 26). 

Senior MPs, including APPG Chair Kevin Brennan MP and former Health and DCMS Secretary Matt Hancock, discussed important issues facing the classical sector ranging from arts funding to the impact of Brexit, with LPO Chief Executive David Burke and Principal Conductor Edward Gardner.

The visit to Henry Wood Hall in the London borough of Southwark was organised by UK Music, which is the secretariat for the APPG on Music, and the LPO.

The APPG was also given a practical insight into the inner workings of an orchestra with the politicians allowed to sit with the musicians and experience the rehearsal first hand.

Those joining the visit included Shadow DCMS Minister Jeff Smith, APPG on Classical Music Chair Barbara Keeley, former minister Eddie Hughes, Crossbench Peer Earl of Clancarty, Chris Green MP and Chair of the Senedd’s Cross Party Group on Music, Rhianon Passmore.

From left to right: Matt Hancock, Earl of Clancarty, David Burke, Chris Green, Rhianon Passmore, Eddie Hughes, Kevin Brennan, Barbara Keeley, Jeff Smith and UK Music Chief Executive Jamie Njoku-Goodwin.