Classical Unlocked Returns to SXSW Austin to Curate Classical Music for the Mainstage
Classical Unlocked presents this year’s international official showcase for the fourth year running and presents Eric Whitacre’s film ‘Deep Field: The Impossible Magnitude of our Universe’.
In partnership with the Department for Business and Trade and UK House, Classical Unlocked presents a live, multi-part event centred on Deep Field, the landmark collaboration between Eric Whitacre, NASA, Space Telescope Science Institute and 59, a journey studio.
The event features the world premiere of a newly reworked version of the film, combining imagery from the Hubble Space Telescope with bespoke animation, Whitacre’s original score and live narration.
A panel discussion further explores the connections between astrophysics, data and musical composition with a former astronaut and two astrophysicists.
March 14, 2026 - 4pm Eric Whitacre’s Deep Field UK House British Music Embassy, Palm Door on Sixth (Austin, Texas)
Classical Unlocked is returning to SXSW Austin for the fourth year to curate a fresh space for classical music within the mainstream, and to showcase sparky talent, redefining classical music’s presence in modern music culture.
International artists performing in the Classical Unlocked showcase include Les Itinérantes, Suuvi, Jamie Duffy, Kety Fusco, Hania Derej, and Babatunde Hiphopera.
The showcase takes place March 16 at Flamingo Cantina. For performance times see the official SXSW Schedule.
SXSW Austin takes place March 12–18, 2026 offering audiences a week of innovation in the heart of the festival.
For more information follow @classicalunlocked or email thea@classicalunlocked.com
past showcases
We imagine a future where classical music isn’t just respected but truly celebrated as a regular part of major festivals and conferences around the world.
SXSW LONDON 2025
We took over The Ditch underneath Shoreditch Town Hall for a networking social and showcase featuring Jess Gillam, Yana, Simeon Walker, Vulva Voce and Tokio Myers with DJ sets from Bvrtók, Gabriel Prokofiev and Glade Marie. Our networking social was sponsored by PRS for music and RNCM.
Photos by Spela Cedilnik
SXSW 2025
We returned to Cooper’s BBQ in Austin once more for a night spanning Opera to immersive audio. Performing artists were Rachel Fenlon, Marta Cascales Alimbau, Tokio Myers, Vines, Echo Collective and Vraell. Showcase supported by KMFA Classical, MDSG, Steinway and Nord.
Photos by Roy Vergara
beyond the music
We took the first classical music showcase to this exciting new industry festival and conference in Manchester. Performing artists were Brasis, Hadewych Van Gent, Vulva Voce and Alexandra Whittingham. Showcase supported by RNCM and DPA.
Photos by Chloe Offer
SXSW 2024
Held for the first time at Cooper’s BBQ, we curated a fierce and fully female line-up of artists. Influences ranged from traditional to contemporary, and from Hindustani to Arabic-inspired, making the night a celebration of collaboration and culture. Performing artists were Tiffany Poon, Vulva Voce, The Ayoub Sisters, Ringdown (Caroline Shaw and Danni Lee), Natalie Tenenbaum and Bishi, with special guests the Beatbox Collective. The showcase was supported by Shure, Yamaha and MDSG.
SXSW 2023
The first of our showcases at SXSW took place at Esther’s Follies, a modern-day vaudeville theatre in downtown Austin. We incorporated immersive technology and creative lighting design to break down barriers between audience and artist. Performers at the showcase were Kaitlyn Raitz & friends, Kyle P. Walker, Fuse, AyseDeniz Gokcin, Alexandra Whittingham and Ayanna Witter-Johnson. Showcase supported by G.L.P., Limitless, Genius Ventures, SyncVault and Kawai.
