VBPR is an international public relations company globally recognised for the passion, quality and impact of its work. We build and enhance the reputations of classical musicians, orchestras, opera companies, festivals and other performing arts organisations by developing clear communication strategies that tell captivating stories.
Since Valerie Barber founded the company in 1989, we have earned the trust of leading critics, journalists, broadcasters and editors. They value our creative approach to public relations, our understanding of today’s competitive media environment and our deep knowledge of the world of classical music. Above all our expertise flows from an unshakeable belief that exceptional artists deserve to stand out from the crowd.
Dedicated to excellence
VBPR’s dedicated team strives to raise the public profiles of our clients. We share their commitment to excellence and apply it when offering advice on everything from image and presentation to social media presence and reaching audiences through new technologies.
Authentic Values
Whether our relationships span many years or are focused on specific projects, VBPR always promotes our clients’ strategic development. Our mission is to communicate the authentic values and purpose behind their performances.
Our Approach
Creative thinking is at the heart of what we do. Our combination of experience, knowledge, insight and curiosity helps unlock fresh ideas and informs how we champion outstanding artists. The company has chosen not to grow too large, allowing us to focus fully as a team on our select roster of artists and respond to their individual PR needs.
We get to know our clients as performers and people, building strong relationships that allow us to communicate compelling messages about their work and develop their reputations on the world stage.
The process involves selecting the sharpest story angles, using them to secure diverse media coverage, and spreading the word worldwide through our network of international media contacts.
In addition to our work with established artists and organisations, VBPR has a proven track record in developing emerging talent. Our client list’s wide range means that we are always learning, always forging new contacts, always reaching out to influencers and opinion formers in classical music and the performing arts.
Our clients and their management teams recognise that our high reputation and longevity as a business are related. They want to be part of our roster, to join a list that contains many long-standing clients and gain from our specialist knowledge, professionalism and meticulous attention to detail. We know they value our passion for classical music – because they tell us. Their work inspires us to create bold campaigns designed to inspire the public.
Consultancy
Valerie Barber’s contacts in the international classical music business are second to none. She is known for her breadth of knowledge, long experience and passionate advocacy of the best in classical music.
Many soloists, ensembles, artist managements and cultural institutions have sought her advice over the years. She is now available to consult on everything from special projects and raising the media profile of international tours to artist development and image building.
Our consultancy service offers ideal support to those determined to fine tune an existing PR strategy, target fresh media coverage or assess new business opportunities.
What is PR?
Public Relations (PR) is about reputation. It exists to help audiences and opinion formers understand what you do, to recognise the special qualities of your work and to appreciate the achievements on which your reputation stands.
Clear communication is central to public relations – we all respond to powerful stories, well told. It is the job of PR to develop and broadcast those stories as widely as possible and fire imaginations with what they describe.
Like every company and every organisation, large or small, every musician is judged on performance. Their reputation, one of the greatest assets in any profession, flows from the quality of their work. It also depends on how they communicate with their existing or potential audiences.
Public relations involves a creative dialogue between client and PR. The latter’s insight and intuition, awareness of current trends in presentation and deep knowledge of the interests of individuals within their network of media contacts all play their part in communicating distinctive messages about the client’s work and building trust in what they do.