Classical tradition meets contemporary innovation in a memorable programme with works by Avril Coleridge-Taylor, Haydn and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.
Opening with Valerie Coleman’s Seven O’Clock Shout, this concert begins on a note of gratitude. Composed as an homage to the indefatigable spirit of Covid-19 frontline workers, this piece reflects the resilient rhythms of daily life during the pandemic, serving as a vibrant tribute to those who kept our world moving.
Avril Coleridge-Taylor’s A Sussex Landscape follows, drawing from her personal connection to the region where she spent her later years. The piece unfolds with sweeping melodic lines, grand orchestral landscapes and cymbals crashing like the relentless waves along Sussex’s shores, evoking the area’s dynamic natural beauty. This composition not only portrays the tranquil and rugged aspects of Sussex but also serves as a musical homage to a place she cherished deeply.
The first half ends with Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in E flat, with the orchestra’s world-class trumpeter Aaron Akugbo, showcasing brilliance and highlighting the expressive elegance and technical prowess of the trumpet.
After the interval, Brian Nabors’ Pulse for Orchestra takes us on a rhythmic journey, exploring the universal rhythms that underpin our shared experiences. This piece captivates with its dynamic energy, drawing listeners into a vibrant soundscape where each note pulses with life and connects us all.
The evening culminates with Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Symphony in A minor. Premiered in 1896, this historic composition first captured the attention of audiences including King George V. Over a century later, it received its Proms premiere by the Chineke! Orchestra in 2021, testament to Coleridge-Taylor’s lasting legacy and the symphony’s blend of traditional forms with innovative ideas.
Join us for a memorable night that celebrates the transformative power of music across eras and cultures.
Performers:
Vimbayi Kaziboni conductor
Aaron Azunda Akugbo trumpet
Programme:
Valerie Coleman: Seven O'Clock Shout
A Coleridge-Taylor: Sussex Landscape, Op.27
Haydn: Trumpet Concerto in E flat
Interval
Brian Nabors: Pulse
Coleridge-Taylor: Symphony No.1 in A minor
