The Purcell Lecture 2026 - The role of the BBC in Music. Custodian, Curator or Creator? - 11 May 2026

What is the role of the BBC in classical music? What does the future look like? Sam Jackson, Controller of BBC Radio 3 and the BBC Proms gives this year’s Purcell Lecture at Stationers’ Hall on Monday, 12 May. Join fellow Stationers and Musicians for what promises to be an excellent evening of music, discussion and Q&A, with reception food and drink.

Sam has worked across broadcasting and the recorded music industry for over 20 years, collaborating with many of the world’s greatest classical and jazz musicians. During that time, he has held a range of senior leadership roles and prior to joining the BBC was Executive Vice-President of Global Classics & Jazz for Universal Music Group.

Music education has been important to Sam throughout his career. He was a member of The Music Commission – a year-long inquiry into supporting and sustaining musical progression for all – and spent a decade as a Board Member of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance. In addition, he is a trustee of the charity Help Musicians, a member of the Royal Philharmonic Society Council, and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music. He has also written and co-written a number of best-selling books on classical music.

Named by The Hospital Club as ‘one of the 100 most influential and innovative people working across arts, culture and the creative industries’, Sam’s first experience of broadcasting was as a 19-year-old runner at the BBC Proms. After studying Music at the University of York, Sam then spent 15 years in the commercial radio industry, latter running three national radio brands: Classic FM, Smooth and Gold.

Moderated by Stationers’ Liveryman Roger Lewis.

Music
Serbian Double Bassist, Strahinja Mitrović is studying at the Guildhall School of Music, where he completed his undergraduate degree under the mentorship of Rinat Ibragimov, Luis Cabrera and cellist Louise Hopkins. He is currently pursuing his postgraduate studies with Louise Hopkins.

As a Musicians’ Company Young Artist, in 2024, Strahinja won the prestigious Guildhall School of Music Gold Medal, becoming the first double bassist to receive this award since its inception in 1915. He went on to win the Musicians’ Company Prince’s Prize in 2025, as well as receiving the Company’s Concordia Foundation Barthel Prize.

Recognised as a rising figure in classical music, Strahinja was also named one of Classic FM’s “30 Under 30” Rising Stars, and was featured in 10 Men Magazine as a “Next Big Thing” in the classical music world.

https://www.strahinjamitrovic.com/about

To book
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Timings of the evening:
6.30pm Drinks reception at Stationers’ Hall
7.00pm Welcome and Music
7.20pm Sam Jackson Lecture & Q&A
8.00pm Music
8.10pm Drinks Reception and Sandwiches
9.30pm Event Ends
Ticket Price: £30 (£15 student discount)