Besbrode Pianos and Decca Records proudly present Working Classical Hero — an inspiring afternoon of live music, conversation and creativity featuring Channel 4’s The Piano breakout star Ellis Arey and Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Eliot Kennedy.
The event has been organised by Cause and Effect Director Clair Challenor-Chadwick, working closely with Melvin Besbrode to bring his vision for an inspiring, accessible and memorable music event to life.
Designed to ignite ambition and inspire emerging creatives, the event will explore how resilience, talent and determination can help break into the music industry — regardless of background.
Ellis Arey
Recently signed by Decca Records, 24-year-old Ellis Arey has quickly become one of the most exciting young names in classical music. A gifted pianist and boxer, Ellis describes the piano as a “universe of complex emotions”. His remarkable journey — from growing up on a council estate to studying at Leeds Conservatoire — captured national attention on Channel 4’s The Piano and was later profiled in a Sky Arts documentary.
Joining Ellis is Eliot Kennedy, one of the UK’s most celebrated songwriters and producers. Raised in Rotherham, Eliot started a band at school before going on to co-write global hits for artists including the Spice Girls, Take That, Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige and Bryan Adams. He is also renowned for his long-standing songwriting partnership with Gary Barlow.
Eliot Kennedy and Bryan Adams
Eliot co-wrote the Broadway musical Finding Neverland with Barlow, has composed music for film soundtracks including Eddie the Eagle and the forthcoming movie Hot Flash, and is Creative Director at Steelworks Studios.
Ellis will present a medley of live performance and candid conversation. Ellis will perform a selection of pieces throughout the afternoon, interspersed with questions and discussion led by Eliot. The event will conclude with a 15-minute audience Q&A, giving guests the opportunity to ask questions and gain real-world insight into building a career in music.
Clair Challenor-Chadwick, Director of Cause and Effect, said:
“Melvin has created something truly special at Besbrode Pianos, and it has been a privilege to work with him on shaping this event. Working Classical Hero is about opening up conversations around talent, class, creativity and opportunity — while celebrating extraordinary music in one of Leeds’ most characterful venues. Ellis and Eliot both have powerful stories to tell, and we hope audiences leave feeling inspired, uplifted and full of possibility.”
This event will be filmed by Liv Kennedy for Decca Records.
Following the performance, guests are invited to explore the venue and discover a fascinating world of pianos, from world-renowned concert grands to rare artistic masterpieces.
About Besbrode Pianos
Situated in a Georgian mill on the edge of Leeds city centre, Besbrode Pianos is a place where music, history and craftsmanship come together under one remarkable roof. Part showroom, part workshop, part gallery and part performance venue, Besbrode is home to one of the most extraordinary collections of pianos in the United Kingdom. Over the past 20 years, its stunning red-brick showroom has hosted an array of intimate and unforgettable performances
The free event takes place by invitation and in partnership with Music House in Leeds.
Sunday 21 June 2026 | 2pm
Besbrode Pianos, Leeds
Free Event