Brixton Chamber Orchestra Brings Summer Estates Tour to Lambeth This July

From 19th to 21st July and 26th to 28th July 2024, BCO will bring the power of live orchestral music straight to your neighbourhood.

This two-weekend tour opens the concert hall doors wide, transforming local estates into vibrant stages for their 30-piece orchestra. The ensemble, renowned for its youthful and diverse musicians, will perform alongside local singers, rappers, and open-mic guests, offering an hour-long genre-bending set that spans from Bach to Afrobeats.

A Musical Journey Through Diverse Genres

BCO’s eclectic programme includes a variety of musical genres such as swing, waltzes, baroque dances, grime, hip hop, and folk music from various traditions. You’ll also hear symphonic movements, disco, musical theatre, samba, pop, and rock songs. This year’s tour features rising stars, including the Afro Pop and R&B singer-songwriter B MELA, known for her dynamic performances and heartfelt lyrics.

Audience participation is a key element of these performances, with residents invited to perform with the orchestra in open-mic sessions. Whether you’re a rapper, singer, dancer, poet, or instrumentalist, there’s a spot for you to shine alongside BCO.

Event Highlights and Schedule

The tour kicks off on Friday, 19th July at Stockwell Hall of Fame, and continues across various estates in Lambeth, concluding at St Matthew’s Church in Brixton on Sunday, 28th July. Each performance promises to be an unforgettable experience, perfect for both seasoned music aficionados and those looking for a delightful summer evening under the open sky.

WEEKEND ONE (19th – 21st July)

• Friday 19th: 19:00 – 20:00 at Stockwell Hall of Fame, Stockwell Park Estate, 7 Aytoun Place SW9 0TT
• Saturday 20th: 15:30 – 16:30 at Cressingham Gardens Estate SW2 2NJ
• Saturday 20th: 19:00 – 20:00 at Angell Town Estate, Peckford Place SW9 7BP
• Sunday 21st: 15:30 – 16:30 at Moorlands Estates, 50A Corry Drive, Moorlands Community Centre, Brixton SW9 8QT
• Sunday 21st: 19:00 – 20:00 at Kingswood Estate, Kingswood Arts, Kingswood House, Seeley Drive SE21 8QR

WEEKEND TWO (26th – 28th July)

• Friday 26th: 15:30 – 16:30 at China Walk Estate, China Walk London SE11 6BE
• Friday 26th: 19:00 – 20:00 at Vauxhall Gardens Estate, 17 Jonathan Street SE11 5LE (behind the Carmelita Centre)
• Saturday 27th: 15:30 – 16:30 at Clapham Park Estate, The Cube, 116 Kings Ave SW4 8EP
• Saturday 27th: 19:00 – 20:00 at Deronda Estate, Lavender Hope Centre, 5 Jarrett Close, Tulse Hill SW2 3DG
• Sunday 28th: 15:30 – 16:30 at Palace Road Estate, Palace Road, Tulse Hill SW2 3EB
• Sunday 28th: 19:00 – 20:00 at St Matthew’s Church, Brixton BMC, Brixton Hill SW2 1JF

Bringing Music to the Community

Since its inception in December 2018, the BCO’s Estates Tours have become a flagship project, bringing live orchestral experiences to diverse audiences in Brixton and beyond. The Summer Estates Tour integrates performances into residents’ existing events, fostering a sense of community and celebration.

According to feedback from their last Summer Estates Tour in July 2023, an estimated 20% of the audience had never attended a live orchestral performance before, highlighting BCO’s significant impact on the community.

About Brixton Chamber Orchestra

BCO is a registered charity dedicated to bringing live orchestral experiences to diverse audiences. Known for their innovative collaborations, BCO performs a wide range of genres, from classical to jazz, grime to gospel. Their unique two-tier orchestra, composed of both professionals and talented volunteers, embodies the spirit of Brixton, celebrating local talent and cultural diversity.

Join the Celebration

Whether you’re a music lover or just looking for an entertaining summer evening, the BCO’s Summer Estates Tour is not to be missed. Grab a blanket, gather your loved ones, and head down to your local estate for a musical extravaganza.