Classical music needs to learn from hip hop, says composer Alexis Ffrench

Artist suggested classical musicians could learn from hip hop stars like Childish Gambino and Snoop Dogg

Composer Alexis Ffrench has said that classical music needs to learn from more "provocative" genres and lose its "sense of entitlement".

Speaking ahead of the Classic Brits awards, which take place on Wednesday 13 June, Ffrench suggested orchestras and musicians must take more chances if the genre is to survive.

"I think we could perhaps borrow more from other art forms," he told the BBC. "Often we can be complacent, and there's a sense of entitlement about the art form, that is sits in the hierarchy above all other styles of music."

Ffrench cited artists such as Childish Gambino and Snoop Dogg as artists "doing daring things" that classical composers could emulate.

"I listen to a lot of R&B and hip hop and then check out the videos," he explained. "I see innovation and people pushing the envelope and doing daring things in the name of art, in a way that provokes thought. I wonder whether as classical musicians if we can do more on that front."

The Classic Brits ceremony returns after a five year absence, with artists including Dame Vera Lynn, Hans Zimmer, Tokio Myers and Sheridan Smith are all up for awards.

There will also be performances by singers including Katherine Jenkins, who will perform from the chart-dominating musical Greatest Showman.

The Classic Brits are broadcast on ITV this Sunday, 17 June from 10.30pm.