Vincent Osborne
Founder & Artistic Director
Trained at Birmingham Theatre School as an Actor and Teacher of Speech and Drama, Vincent has worked extensively in repertory companies including The National Theatre, and the West End. Vincent was the creator of the first Black Soap Opera – “Brothers and Sisters” on BBC2, before going on to become a successful entrepreneur, sponsoring the Brixton Open an Arts Competition from its conception. Now a campaigner, The Black British Classical Foundation is a continuation and expansion of the work Vincent began in those early days, and is now set to culminate in the Voice Of Black Opera.
Grace-Melzia Bumbry
Patron
As one of opera’s most controversial artists, Grace-Melzia Bumbry continues to make headlines. With a 50-plus year career she is phenomenally preserved. Critics and audiences around the world continue to cheer this celebrated artist, who garners remarkable coverage and incredible ovations with reviews praising her as a national treasure, spectacular, spiritual and magnificent.
Lord Boateng
Patron
Former MP Paul Boateng became the UK’s first mixed-race Cabinet Minister in May 2002, when he was appointed as Chief Secretary to the Treasury by Tony Blair. Following his departure from the House of Commons, he served as the British High Commissioner to South Africa and was introduced as a member of the House of Lords in 2010.