On Friday 8 December 2023, Brixton Chamber Orchestra (BCO) under artistic director Matthew O'Keeffe will be embarking on its sixth annual Christmas Estates Tour bringing free concerts to 13 housing estates across Lambeth. The tour runs until 21 December 2023 and features the 25-piece orchestra with its young and diverse players performing alongside emerging local singers, and rappers. The hour long set comprising classical to grime, disco, pop, jazz and classic Christmas tunes, redefines the idea of something for everyone.
BCO's Christmas Estates Tour is more than a series of concerts; it's a celebration of community spirit, offering Lambeth's housing estate communities the chance to experience the uplifting power of live music free of charge. BCO actively encourages inclusivity; audience participation is welcomed, with an orchestral open-mic at the end of each show where anyone can take the stage and perform alongside the orchestra.
In a cost-of-living crisis, where community connections are more vital than ever, the Christmas Estates Tour aims to bring people together and provide a free shared cultural experience. According to feedback from their recent Summer Estates Tour in July, an estimated 20% of the audience (1394 attendees over 12 performances) had never attended a live orchestral performance before.
As part of the initiative, BCO has conducted workshops at local schools, including Christ Church Streatham Primary School and Evelyn Grace Academy. In a harmonious collaboration, the budding musicians from these schools will share the stage with BCO in special performances at their respective schools on the 8th and 15th of December. This unique opportunity allows them to showcase their talents, bringing the magic of the Christmas Estates Tour directly to the heart of their school communities.
Full details from BCO's website.
No comments:
Post a Comment