In his writings on music, Sir Roger Scruton argued that music is not mere sound, but a deep expression of human feeling that is capable of moving the soul, elevating the listener, and revealing glimpses of the transcendent. Yet much of contemporary composition has abandoned these higher ends, replacing the pursuit of beauty and meaning with fragmentation, irony, and technical gimmickry.

In response to this cultural drift, composers Henry Wolfe Carradine and Stephen Limbaugh issued last year a "Statement of Principles for Contemporary Classical Music Composition," calling for a renewed commitment to the deeper purposes of the art: to foster contemplation, elevate the soul and orient listeners toward the good. Their statement offers a powerful vision for rebuilding the tradition of classical music in our time not by retreating into nostalgia, but by reclaiming craft, hierarchy, and inspiration as living forces.

In this conversation, moderated by Andrew Balio, President of the Foundation for the Future of Classical Music, Carradine and Limbaugh will discuss the future of serious composition, the challenges facing young composers today and how the tradition can once again become a source of renewal rather than decay. The conversation will begin at 10:30 am PDT, 1:30 pm EDT or 6:30 pm BST, depending on your location. Prior registration is required via the zoom link below.

Sustaining serious artistic work is becoming increasingly difficult. As institutions drift away from beauty, craft, and tradition, many artists are turning to alternative models of support to maintain their independence and pursue meaningful work.

On 8th April 2025, the Roger Scruton Legacy Foundation hosted an online conversation featuring artists who are doing exactly that. Moderator Dr Lola Salem, a consultant and scholar with expertise in culture and the arts, was joined by:

• Clifton Duncan, a classically trained actor and singer who turned to independent funding to develop his one-man play on Thomas Sowell;

• Samuel Andreyev, a Strasbourg-based composer pioneering new ways to fund composition and connect directly with audiences; and

• Fen de Villiers, a British sculptor creating bold, powerful works through private commissions that bypass institutional trends.

These artists have found ways to build sustainable careers without compromising their vision. Through their various perspectives and experiences, the panel explored ideas for artists seeking creative independence, patrons eager to support serious work, and anyone invested in the future of culture.

Media