The Exceptional Journey of the Kanneh-Mason Siblings

Many may not expect the world’s most successful music conservatory to be located in Nottingham, England. Yet, the Kanneh-Mason family home there has nurtured seven remarkable musicians who have performed as soloists in prestigious concert halls worldwide. These siblings, all under 30 at the time of our first meeting, have brought youthful vitality to the classical music scene.

When they gather at their Nottingham home, a sense of lively chaos marks their rehearsals. Each sibling, from Jeneba, 23, Aminata, 20, Sheku, 26, Braimah, 27, Isata, 30, Konya, 26, to Mariatu, 17, has achieved impressive success in music. Despite their individual accomplishments, the siblings often perform together, creating a unique musical dialogue that reflects their deep connection.

Jon Wertheim: We noticed an unspoken connection when you play together. What is it like playing with a sibling versus someone unrelated?

Jeneba Kanneh-Mason: Our close bond means we interact quickly through unspoken communication. We’ve grown up listening to one another play at home.

This sibling dynamic has attracted a diverse and young audience to classical music. The question arises: how do these seven siblings excel to such a degree? Jeneba believes their musical environment was critical, fostering their talent and supporting their ambitions.

Unlike typical stage parents, Kadie and Stuart Kanneh-Mason, both involved in non-musical professions, simply provided a variety of after-school activities for their children. Music stood out among cricket, football, karate, and gymnastics for the Kanneh-Mason children.

Kadie Kanneh-Mason: They participated in various activities. It happened by chance, really.

Isata, the eldest, began piano lessons at six, setting a precedent for her younger siblings. They naturally gravitated to music, each choosing their instruments with a touch of competition. Sheku, for example, chose the cello partly because his brother Braimah played the violin.

Sheku Kanneh-Mason: It’s objectively a better instrument.

Braimah Kanneh-Mason: The violin’s more popular, with more repertoire.

With talent revealed, Kadie and Stuart invested in nurturing their children’s musical abilities. They practiced for hours daily and attended the Royal Academy of Music in London on Saturdays. This commitment came with sacrifices, occasionally risking their mortgage to fund lessons and instruments.

The siblings formed a unique system at home, holding ‘Sunday Concerts’ to critique each other’s performances. This practice honed their skills and prepared them for stage performances.

Isata Kanneh-Mason: Performing at home was intense. It prepped us for public stages, teaching us to handle performance pressure.

Pride and camaraderie, rather than stage parent pressure, drove their development. The siblings’ self-motivation ensured that their focus was on classical mastery, not commercial ventures. Even as they became known in the public eye, commercial decisions were made based on their commitment to classical music.

Kadie Kanneh-Mason: They wanted to excel as classical musicians, not to chase fame.

The turning point for Sheku was performing at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. This moment catapulted him to stardom, breaking records on UK album charts as a cellist. Despite fame, Sheku remains focused on his music rather than celebrity.

Jon Wertheim: Would you mind playing for us?

Sheku Kanneh-Mason: With pleasure.

Today, while each sibling explores individual paths, from Konya’s fiction writing to Aminata’s return to music, they continue to support each other’s musical journeys. The Kanneh-Masons exemplify balancing collective endeavors with individual aspirations, creating a harmonious blend of personal and shared success.

Braimah Kanneh-Mason: We find inspiration in each other’s achievements without letting external competition affect us.

Jeneba Kanneh-Mason: We draw the line at music to preserve harmony and support each other.

Altogether, the Kanneh-Mason siblings form an exceptional ensemble, each adding to the family’s rich musical legacy.