Brexit has caused sadness far and wide, but for very many musicians who are only just beginning to emerge from the Covid-induced touring dearth, Brexit has been a disaster. A survey conducted by musicians in 2021 revealed that 34 per cent of musicians had already lost work as a result of Brexit. A violinist said, “I am professionally paralysed by Brexit.”

On 26 October, we held a panel event to discuss the impact of Brexit on music specifically and the Arts generally. / As a preface to the evening’s discussion, the editor-in-chief, Anthea Simmons, read out a powerful, personal message from Sir Howard Goodall which we reproduce here in full.

If the coronavirus pandemic does not critically damage the British and European music industry, the effect of Brexit may finish it off.