Sam Carter and Matheu Watson in rehearsals for Shifting Sands @ Celtic Connections festival. Photo by Rigel Klingman.
Sam Carter and Matheu Watson in rehearsals for
Shifting Sands @ Celtic Connections festival. Photo by Rigel Klingman.
ENO Mini Operas: Worldwide Online Talent Search
An online search for composers, writers and film makers, ENO Mini Operas is seeking emerging opera talent from across the world. Running in three rounds, this groundbreaking and innovative project hopes to help create the future of opera.
Musicity Tokyo
We have commissioned 13 British and Japanese artists, including Nitin Sawhney, Ghostpoet and Fink from the UK, to compose original music in response to a building or location in Tokyo, which can then be accessed by audiences via their smart phones.
From electronica to jazz, traditional to folk, and classical to indie, we work across all genres of music. The British Council's Music team works with our overseas network of arts managers and partners to plan, resource, deliver and evaluate high-impact arts projects involving professional artists and organisations from the UK. We aim to strengthen the international profile of UK music and creativity, to communicate the diversity of UK society, and to establish long-term partnerships overseas. The Music team also has its own weekly radio show, The Selector, featuring the best new music from the UK.
Photos: Lucy Cullen Photo: Socrates Mitsios
Musicians in Residence
Imogen Heap, Jamie Woon, Gareth Bonello and Matthew Bourne have been chosen to take part in a residency programme in China, providing them with a chance to explore new musical territory and reach new audiences.
The Selector
Our weekly international showcase of the best new UK music from across the spectrum of indie, dubstep, folk, soul, electro, hip hop and everything else in between. Check the website to listen to the show, as well as exclusive mixes and live sessions.
BT River of Music
A spectacular weekend of free music from a range of the 205 Olympic and Paralympic nations, presented at iconic sites along the River Thames, including collaborative performances from Matthew Herbert and Transglobal Underground.
What We Do
We are a cultural relations agency so our work in music aims to engage with people and audiences all over the world, drawing them into a closer relationship with the UK. Find out more about
how we work and
meet our team of music specialists.
Current Activity
Every year we support a wide range of music projects globally, from collaborative performances and workshops to full-scale music events.
Find out about our recent work.
Music Publications and Websites
Find out more about our work on our
British Council Arts Facebook page and check the
The Selector for a mix of the latest and best music from the UK.
Music Education
Find specialist information on music education and community outreach work in the UK in our Music Education resource.
