The Pianist From a Family of Seven Musicians Who Is Building Her Own Musical Path

British pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason has grown up in one of the world’s most closely watched musical families, where all seven siblings have developed a passion for classical music.

As she prepares to perform in Australia, Kanneh-Mason is reflecting on her childhood, her experiences on stage and why she believes classical music still has an important place in the lives of young people.

A Childhood Filled With Music

Kanneh-Mason is the eldest of seven siblings in the British family, with each child developing skills on different musical instruments.

She was the first of the children to begin formal music lessons, starting at the age of six. Her younger brothers and sisters soon followed, turning the family home into a place where practising and performing became part of everyday life.

What began with one child learning an instrument eventually became a shared family passion.

Seven Siblings, Seven Musical Journeys

Although the siblings grew up surrounded by the same musical environment, Kanneh-Mason says they have developed their own relationships and personalities.

Her brother Sheku became internationally recognised as a cellist and performed at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Other members of the family have also developed careers as instrumentalists.

Rather than viewing the siblings as competitors, Kanneh-Mason describes a family where different personalities and musical interests coexist. Their family group chat is reportedly filled with jokes, conversations and messages of support before concerts.

Learning From Elton John

One of Kanneh-Mason’s most memorable early experiences came when she performed with Elton John as a teenager.

She was about 17 when she travelled to Los Angeles and performed with his band, playing the viola. The experience gave her an opportunity to observe a performer who could connect with a huge audience while remaining completely comfortable on stage.

For a young musician still developing her confidence, the experience offered lessons that went beyond playing an instrument.

Overcoming Performance Nerves

Like many professional performers, Kanneh-Mason has also had to deal with nerves before going on stage.

Performance anxiety can be particularly challenging for classical musicians because concerts often demand intense concentration and precision in front of a live audience.

Over time, she has learned to manage those feelings and focus on the music itself rather than allowing nervousness to control the performance.

Bringing Classical Music to a New Generation

Kanneh-Mason is also passionate about music education and encouraging young people to discover classical music.

She believes the genre can remain relevant when young audiences are given opportunities to experience it in ways that feel meaningful and accessible.

Her own journey shows how a childhood surrounded by music can develop into an international career while still leaving room for curiosity, family connections and new audiences.

As she begins her Australian performances, Kanneh-Mason is continuing to build a career of her own while remaining part of a remarkable family story in which seven siblings found their own paths through music.

Source: ABC News / ABC Classic, October 6, 2026.