Meet the pianist who is part of a family of seven musical siblings
From sibling banter to performance anxiety, Isata Kanneh-Mason discusses family, learning from Elton John, and why classical music remains relevant to young people.
Isata Kanneh-Mason, the eldest daughter of a family of seven musically gifted siblings in Britain, has become a prominent solo pianist. Her renowned brothers, Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Braimah Kanneh-Mason, have also achieved fame; Sheku notably played the cello at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Growing up, Isata was often the group's organizer and chief authority on music, as her siblings took an early interest in practicing instruments.
The family's environment was rich with creativity, books, and music, and no one sibling was favored over another, despite the natural leadership role Isata held. At age 17, Isata performed with Elton John in Los Angeles, where she gained confidence in her abilities. Nerves are a common challenge, but she manages them by controlling her breathing and staying focused on the present moment.
Isata is a vocal supporter of female composers and music education, with diverse musical tastes that include female composers such as Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn, Dobrinka Tabakova, Natalie Klouda, and Sofia Gubaidulina. She believes classical music's depth and skill are crucial for young people, advocating for better arts education in schools to ensure equal opportunities for aspiring musicians from all backgrounds.
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