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David Zazo
Classically Social began as a response to something my business partner, Noah, and I had both noticed and observed for years.
London has one of the richest classical music scenes in the world, yet so much of it feels locked behind formality, convention, and an unspoken sense that you need prior knowledge to belong. We felt that there was a real disconnect between younger audiences and the highest level of classical performance – not because of a lack of interest, but because of how and where the music was being presented.
We founded Classically Social as a means to bridge that gap. Our aim was never to dilute the music or make it ‘lighter’, but rather to change the context around it. We wanted to create nights out that felt social, relaxed, and welcoming, while still presenting world-class classical musicianship at the highest possible standard. At its core, Classically Social is about reinvigorating nights out and rethinking how people experience classical music – using it as a catalyst for genuine human connection in a city that can often feel fragmented and impersonal.
From the outset, we imagined an experience that sat somewhere between a concert and a social gathering. By placing exceptional live performance into informal, carefully curated settings, we offer an alternative to the traditional concert hall – one that feels premium but never intimidating, and that encourages people not only to listen, but to talk, meet, and connect.
Over time, what began as a simple experiment has grown into a broader, community-driven cultural project. At a Classically Social event, long-time classical music lovers sit alongside people attending their very first live classical performance. Many guests arrive straight from work, looking to unwind in an environment that feels unpretentious yet thoughtfully designed. Conversation flows before and after the music, friendships form organically, and the evening unfolds at a relaxed pace. That balance – artistic excellence paired with social ease – has become central to our identity.
Each event centres around a live performance by one of the world’s leading young pianists, many of whom have recently won prizes at major international competitions. These are musicians who would normally be encountered on the most prestigious stages, yet at Classically Social they perform just a few metres from the audience, in intimate and unconventional venues. This format is made possible with the support of our technical partner, Markson Pianos, who help us to provide grand pianos to venues not traditionally equipped to host classical performances. Recent events have taken place at a wide variety of venues all over London, from hotels to independent venues like comedy clubs and pirate ship themed bars, spaces inside Battersea Power Station, and even the National Liberal Club for a one-off semi-formal evening. We deliberately avoid repeating venues consecutively – each event is designed to feel distinct, evolving, and alive rather than fixed into a routine.
A typical evening begins around 7pm, with time built in for arrivals, drinks, and informal conversation. The live performance lasts roughly an hour, often with a short interval, before the night naturally opens back up into post-set socialising. Thanks to extended licenses at many venues, guests often stay well into the night. The music remains the centrepiece, but never feels isolated – instead, it becomes the spark that fuels conversation and connection.
For many attendees, the most striking element is the intimacy. A large portion of our audience has never experienced classical music of this calibre at such close proximity. Sitting just a few metres away from an internationally recognised pianist – without the physical and psychological distance of a concert hall – can be overwhelming in the best possible way. We regularly see reactions of genuine astonishment, and are reminded of how powerful this music can be when it’s presented in the right environment.
That intimacy matters just as much to the artists. Classically Social gives performers the chance to engage with audiences in a more human, organic way. The traditional performer-listener divide dissolves – musicians speak with guests, answer questions, and feel the immediate impact of their playing. In doing so, they become active participants in building new, curious communities around classical music.
Alongside our core social events, we are now expanding into complementary formats. One is a more traditional concert series aimed at dedicated classical audiences, with an emphasis on headline performers, creative programming, and themed evenings. This series launches in February with a Chinese New Year concert on Sunday 22nd February, followed in March by the world premiere of a new transcription of Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto for solo piano. These concerts maintain our commitment to originality and artistic excellence, while offering a more focused listening experience.
We also offer bespoke corporate and private events, positioning Classically Social as a high-end cultural and client entertainment solution. Provided that there is access for a grand piano, we are able to bring world-class classical performance directly into corporate spaces, private venues, or hospitality programmes. These events are highly flexible in format and timing – from lunchtime conference sessions to evening receptions or live action as part of multi-day events – and are designed to create a memorable experience that clients are unlikely to have encountered before.
Classically Social was founded by the two of us (David Zazo and Noah Zhou) – former schoolmates – combining complementary backgrounds. I operate primarily on the commercial side of the business, with a background in Philosophy and Finance. Noah is the first ever British-born Laureate of the Rachmaninoff International Piano Competition and a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, where he received the Sir Elton John Scholarship. His performance career includes top prizes at over fifteen national and international competitions, and early recognition from the Royal Philharmonic Society of Great Britain.
Together, we have built Classically Social as a project that sits at the intersection of cultural excellence, social connection, and contemporary lifestyle – reimagining how classical music can exist, be experienced, and ultimately thrive in modern-day London.
