House of Music

Meet the most musically gifted family in the world

‘I was entranced... Beautifully written and hugely enjoyable.’ Bernardine Evaristo, author of Girl, Woman, Other

Seven brothers and sisters. All of them classically trained musicians. One was Young Musician of the Year and performed for the royal family. The eldest has released her first album, showcasing the works of Clara Schumann. These siblings don’t come from the rarefied environment of elite music schools, but from a state comprehensive in Nottingham. How did they do it?

Their mother, Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason, opens up about what it takes to raise a musical family in a Britain divided by class and race. What comes out is a beautiful and heartrending memoir of the power of determination, camaraderie and a lot of hard work. The Kanneh-Masons are a remarkable family. But what truly sparkles in this eloquent memoir is the joyous affirmation that children are a gift and we must do all we can to nurture them.

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WINNER OF THE INDIE BOOK AWARD 2022 FOR NON-FICTION

WINNER OF THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY STORYTELLING AWARD 2021

‘Riveting, taking in prejudice as well as sacrifice. There are 4.30am starts, lost instruments, fractured wrists, all captured with vivid flourishes. A paean to camaraderie.’ Observer

‘An amazing, compelling, moving, unforgettable story...’ Lady Antonia Fraser

‘[Kadiatu’s] frank memoir reveals the eye-watering level of practical, emotional, intellectual and financial commitment required to raise seven outstanding classical musicians… Her beautiful, wise writing is its own music.’ Daily Mail