🎻 South West Philharmonia & Chorus: Opening the Doors to Classical Music for All

In a world where classical music is often seen as exclusive, outdated, or out of reach, South West Philharmonia & Chorus (SWPC) is rewriting the narrative. Based in the South West of England, SWPC is not just a choir and orchestra—it’s a movement. A community of musicians, singers, and creatives united by one clear mission: to make classical music accessible, inclusive, and deeply relevant to all.

🎶 Why Access to Classical Music Matters

For many, classical music conjures images of formal concert halls, expensive tickets, and music that feels detached from everyday life. Yet at its core, classical music is storytelling—stories of struggle, triumph, beauty, love, and loss that transcend language, geography, and time.

Access to classical music is about more than hearing a Mozart symphony or a Verdi requiem. It’s about giving people the chance to connect with something profound. It's about offering a space to feel, reflect, and be part of something bigger than ourselves. At SWPC, we believe that no one should be excluded from that experience because of postcode, income, background, or lack of prior musical knowledge.

We actively challenge the outdated notion that classical music is reserved for the elite. We open our doors, lower the barriers, and welcome all.

👤 Marcus Alleyne: A Conductor with a Mission

Leading this charge is Marcus Alleyne, an award-winning conductor, passionate advocate for access and equity in the arts, and Artistic Director of SWPC.

Marcus Alleyne began his musical journey as a self-taught musician, later training formally as a conductor and musical director. Over the years, he has developed a strong reputation for his inclusive approach to music-making, fusing technical excellence with emotional sensitivity and a clear social conscience.

Beyond his musical achievements, Marcus is a respected voice in national conversations about race, equality and access to the arts. He currently serves as CEO of Black Voices Cornwall, a racial justice charity dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices across the region.

His passion for increasing access to classical music isn’t just professional—it’s deeply personal.

“I didn’t grow up surrounded by orchestras or opera. But the first time I heard a live performance, it changed everything. I knew people like me were supposed to be part of that world too. Now, I want others to feel that same sense of belonging—whether they’re in the audience or on the stage.”

Marcus’s leadership has seen SWPC engage with new and diverse audiences, work in collaboration with schools and community groups, and present innovative programming that blends the traditional with the contemporary. Under his baton, SWPC’s mission has become more than a vision—it’s a lived experience.

🌍 What We’re Doing Differently

At SWPC, accessibility means:

• Affordable and inclusive concerts in venues across the South West, from grand theatres to local churches

• Collaborations with schools, community choirs, and emerging artists

• Diverse programming that features underrepresented composers and new voices alongside the classics

• No auditions required to join many of our projects—just commitment and a love for music

• Actively breaking down stereotypes about who classical music is “for”

Through our work, we hope to ensure that future generations see classical music not as a relic of the past—but as a living, breathing art form that belongs to them.

💬 Join the Movement

Whether you’re a seasoned concertgoer, someone who’s never seen a live orchestra before, or a lapsed musician looking to return—you are welcome here.

Our community is growing, and we’re always looking for singers, musicians, volunteers, and supporters who believe in the power of music to bring people together.

If you believe that classical music can be a force for inclusion, expression, and joy, then you already believe what we believe.

Come and see what we’re building.

🎶South West Philharmonia & Choruswww.swpac.co.uk