The role of the BBC in Music

Last Updated on 06/05/2026

Overview
The Purcell Lecture – A joint event by The Stationers’ Company and The Musicians’ Company

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, 11 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.

Pianist: Chloé Dumoulin

Moderated by Stationers’ Liveryman Roger Lewis.

Timings of the evening
6.30pm Drinks reception at Stationers’ Hall
7.00pm Welcome and Music – Adolf Mishek – Andante Cantabile
7.20pm Sam Jackson Lecture & Q&A
8.00pm Music – Lowell Liebermann – Presto and Primo tempo and G.Bottesini – Elegy no1
8.10pm Drinks Reception and Sandwiches
9.30pm Event Ends
Ticket Price: £30 (£15 student discount)