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View all events for category: Literature & poetry

R.I.S.E.

Chineke! Orchestra joins forces with George the Poet for a night of music, spoken word and poetry around the themes of Resilience, Identity, Strength and Equality.

George the Poet, an artist whose work is often deeply political, collaborates with Chineke! Orchestra, Europe’s first professional orchestra made up of Black and ethnically diverse musicians.

George the Poet brings his insight and poetry to the issue of the climate emergency, exploring it not just as an ecological issue but one of justice too, with Black communities disproportionately affected.

A powerful artistic meeting, combining political and artistic interests, the evening features brand new work and a guest appearance from Ayanna Witter-Johnson.

Performers

Chineke! Orchestra

Enyi Okpara conductor

Laura Ayoub violin

Moses Olukayode talking drums

RENU (Renu Hossain) tabla

Rapasa Nyatrapasa Otieno nyatiti

George Mpanga (George the Poet)

Ayanna Witter-Johnson vocals, cello

Repertoire

Ayanna Witter-Johnson: Open our eyes; Creation (1st movement of Song of the Prophets: A Requiem for the Climate (with other movements by Daniel Kidane, Shirley Thompson & Roderick Williams))

Improvisation

Max Richter: Spring from Vivaldi's Four Seasons Recomposed

Daniel Kidane: Ruin (2nd movement of Song of the Prophets: A Requiem for the Climate (with other movements by Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Shirley Thompson & Roderick Williams))

Improvisation

Max Richter: Summer from Vivaldi's Four Seasons Recomposed

Shirley J Thompson: Recovery (3rd movement of Song of the Prophets: A Requiem for the Climate (with other movements by Ayanna Witter-Johson, Daniel Kidane & Roderick Williams))

Improvisation

Max Richter: Autumn from Vivaldi's Four Seasons Recomposed

Roderick Williams: Redemption (4th movement of Song of the Prophets: A Requiem for the Climate (with other movements by Ayanna Witter-Johson, Daniel Kidane & Shirley Thompson))

Improvisation

Max Richter: Winter from Vivaldi's Four Seasons Recomposed

Ayanna Witter-Johnson: New roots

Need to know

Age guidance
For ages 12+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult

Access

This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). To book tickets for BSL interpretation, email [email protected] or call us on 020 3879 9555.

You can join our free Access Scheme through your online Southbank Centre account or via email.
Find out more about our Access Scheme
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For your visit

This event is held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Southbank Centre

The Queen Elizabeth Hall is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.