Classical Unlocked Returns to SXSW Austin to Curate Classical Music for the Mainstage

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.

In partnership with UK House hosted by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, 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, and other NASA Missions, 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.

Classical Unlocked, the platform spotlighting artists who bring new energy to classical music, has confirmed the artist lineup for the fourth Classical Unlocked showcase at SXSW Austin. There will also be a live film experience and panel talk centred around Eric Whitacre’s ‘Deep Field’ Film Project, which Classical Unlocked will present in partnership with UK House, hosted by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade.

The SXSW Austin lineup features a bold cross-section of artists redefining what classical performance can be: 

• Les Itinérantes – an all-female vocal trio formed in 2017, known for their diverse repertoire, original arrangements, and sold-out performances in November 2025.
• Suuvi – Cuban-Chinese-American cellist and interdisciplinary artist, shattering expectations of what a classically-trained musician can do in the 21st century.
• Jamie Duffy – one of Ireland’s most compelling new artists, blending folk, classical, and contemporary influences into an intimate and cinematic sound.
• Kety Fusco – Switzerland-based harpist developing a unique sonic language through a new, experimental approach to her instrument.
• Babatunde – Nigerian-American baritone and creator of Hip-Hopera, combining traditional opera with hip-hop beats, with performances at Los Angeles Opera, Opera San Jose, Opera Santa Barbara, Long Beach Opera, and Utah Opera.
• Hania Derej is a composer, pianist, arranger and conductor with over 130 compositions in a variety of styles, including illustrative, jazz, chamber, film and electronic music. Her new project focuses on a more delicate version of jazz with neo-classical elements and cinematic harmonies, reproduced live with the help of four additional musicians.

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 Productions. The newly reimagined version of Deep Field: The Impossible Magnitude of Our Universe is a live experience that stretches from the Nevada night sky of Eric’s childhood to the furthest edges of the known universe. Audiences will hear music recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra merged with more than 8,000 voices from 120 countries in Whitacre’s groundbreaking Virtual Choir. The score is set against vast, luminous visuals inspired by the legendary Deep Field image captured by the Hubble Space Telescope, and other NASA missions, created in collaboration with the Space Telescope Science Institute and immersive studio 59, a Journey studio.

Audiences will be guided through wonder, scale and beauty, as Eric Whitacre narrates live, leading audiences along the cosmic journey. And who better to navigate the cosmos than former astronaut Dr John Grunsfeld, astrophysicist Dr Frank Summers, and visualization scientist Dr Kimberly Arcand, who join Eric for a conversation exploring the intersection of art, science, and the images that reshaped our understanding of the universe.

SXSW Austin takes place March 12–18, 2026 offering audiences a week of innovation in the heart of the festival. 

UK House, hosted by the UK's Department for Business and Trade (DBT), returns to SXSW March 14-17, will feature some of the UK's most disruptive emerging technology companies, from virtual production to immersive entertainment and offer a curated programme of events, demonstrations and networking opportunities.