Errollyn Wallen, the Belize-born British composer and newly appointed Master of the King's Music, has navigated a landscape traditionally dominated by white male composers. Over half of her life, she persevered against invisible barriers to recognition, leading to a changing landscape in classical music that is now more inclusive. Wallen is known for her ambitious and diverse compositions, including 22 operas, a prolific catalogue, and recent accolades. As the first Black woman to have work performed at the Proms, she has gained significant recognition, with new works and an album set to release soon.
People always want to put labels on things, on people, Wallen says, without rancour. Let them. You have to hang on to your own worth.
I was written off young, but then found a way through. There's still so much work to be done.
Her musical range is ambitious, eclectic, often immediately appealing and expressive.
By any measure this is an achievement. Living in Orkney is a constant relief. I have to be able to bash away at the piano late at night.
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