Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
Manchester Baroque is committed to making historical music open, welcoming and relevant to as many people as possible.
We believe that everyone, regardless of background, circumstance or previous experience of classical music, should have the opportunity to engage with our shared musical heritage and the enjoyment, learning and connection that it can bring.
We are committed to treating everyone fairly and with dignity and respect. We do not tolerate bullying, harassment, victimisation or unlawful discrimination. We want Manchester Baroque to be an inclusive organisation for our musicians, staff, freelancers, trustees, volunteers, audiences, participants and partners.
Our approach
Equality, diversity and inclusion are not separate from the rest of our work. We aim to embed them naturally in the way we make decisions, create music, communicate, recruit, work with communities and welcome audiences.
We recognise that there are barriers to engaging with classical and historical music, and that some people and communities have traditionally been under-represented within the sector. We are committed to identifying those barriers and taking practical, achievable steps to reduce them.
Our priorities include:
Access and audiences – keeping our concerts affordable and welcoming, providing free and subsidised tickets where appropriate, considering the accessibility of our venues, and finding new ways to reach people who may not otherwise attend classical music performances.
Learning and communities – building meaningful relationships through our work in schools, with youth ensembles and community partners, and creating stronger links between this work and our concert programme.
Artists and opportunities – working towards greater diversity among the musicians and people involved in Manchester Baroque, and creating accessible pathways into the profession through initiatives including our Early Career Fellowship Scheme.
Communication and musical accessibility – using clear language, readable and accessible materials and inclusive imagery, and helping audiences engage more confidently with the music through accessible programme notes, listening guides and storytelling.
Programming and place – exploring a broader range of musical voices, stories and repertoire, and opportunities to perform in a wider variety of community and non-traditional settings.
We know that this is ongoing work. We will monitor what we do, listen to our audiences, artists, participants and partners, and seek to improve our practice over time. EDI is embedded within Manchester Baroque's wider strategic planning.
This policy will be reviewed periodically.
Last reviewed: September 2026