BBC Radio 3 plans to hold a one-day conference called Diversity and Inclusion in Composition at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester on October 19. The conference 'aims to facilitate greater inclusion in classical music composition of composers and prospective composers from the UK’s black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities.' 

Guest speakers at the conference will include composers Errolyn Wallen, Raymond Yiu and Priti Paintal, alongside Radio 3's Controller Alan Davey. A special edition of In Tune, presented by Suzy Klein, will be broadcast live from the event and will feature live music and interviews with the day's participants.

Alan Davey said: 'The more we invest in diversity, the more talent and interesting art will emerge and we’ll be able connect our audiences with even more remarkable music and culture that is reflective of the kind of country we are. In our 70th anniversary year, we’ll be looking to take lessons from the forum so that we expand the canon for the future, whilst also inspiring new audiences to connect with music.'

Applications to attend the conference are encouraged from composers, publishers, music students, and orchestral, chamber and operatic managers. You can now register you interest in attending the conference at bbc.co.uk.