In a landmark collaboration for the 2026 season, the world-renowned Brodsky Quartet is joined by the legendary bass-baritone Sir Willard White for an evening of profound musical storytelling. This concert, titled Memory Unwrapped, explores the themes of heritage, identity, and the songs that carry the weight of history across generations.
Sir Willard White, one of the most celebrated Black opera singers of his generation, brings his immense presence and vocal power to a programme that spans genres and centuries. The performance includes a selection of Copland’s Old American Songs, traditional spirituals, and works by Black composers that have often been excluded from the classical canon. Each piece has been chosen to reflect the journey of the African diaspora, moving from the sorrow of the past to a celebration of resilience and survival.
The concert also features the world premiere of a new commission by Renell Shaw, titled The Windrush Suite. This innovative work blends classical string arrangements with spoken word and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, serving as a sonic tribute to the Windrush generation and their contribution to British culture. It challenges the boundaries of the traditional string quartet, introducing a narrative depth that directly addresses the post-colonial experience in London.
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