This free, live installation will explode an orchestra across interconnecting rooms, creating a ‘Symphony to Walk Within’ — an experience that places you at the heart of the music.
A Symphony in the Civic Heart of Brixton
Produced by award winning arts organisation Aswarm in collaboration with Chineke! Foundation – Europe’s leading majority Black and ethnically diverse orchestra – this transformative performance invites audiences to explore sound, space, and community. As you move through the Town Hall, you’ll witness musicians up close, discover hidden harmonies, and even see a conductor in the Mayor’s chair, guiding an invisible orchestra in the ornate council chamber. Sit in the councillors’ seats and feel the power of the music from a unique perspective.
This unique event will take place at the Town Hall, in the heart of Brixton, on Saturday, 8 March 2025, from 1 – 4 pm.
Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: “Orchitecture Brixton is a powerful celebration of Lambeth’s diversity, creativity and community spirit.
By transforming our historic Town Hall into a living symphony, this event honours our commitment to making public spaces more inclusive, accessible and vibrant. Music has the power to unite, inspire, and tell stories that reflect our shared history and future.
We invite all residents to step inside, experience the magic, and feel the heartbeat of Lambeth’s community through music.”
Celebrating Lambeth’s Diversity and Creativity
Orchitecture Brixton aligns with Lambeth’s Borough Plan, reflecting a commitment to equity, cultural celebration, and inclusive growth. The event features the artistry of Chineke! Foundation and local young talents from Lambeth Music Service, promoting intergenerational mentorship and creative expression. By reimagining civic spaces as cultural hubs, it supports Lambeth’s goal of creating connected neighbourhoods where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Music with a Message
Chineke! Foundation will perform Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Othello Suite, conducted by Enyi Okpara. This piece highlights Lambeth’s history of activism and community resilience. Orchitecture encourages reflection on creating inclusive spaces and celebrating diverse narratives amidst global challenges.
The event will also feature a series of thought-provoking talks:
- Jon Newman (Lambeth Archives) on Othello’s pivotal history in Lambeth
- Thor McIntyre-Burnie (Aswarm Artistic Director) on reimagining public spaces
- Tony Cealy leading interactive discussions on race
Beyond the Music
The event not only celebrates Lambeth’s rich cultural diversity but also sparks conversations about the importance of public spaces for creative expression and social interaction. By blending historical stories with modern performances, Orchitecture Brixton offers an immersive experience that challenges how we see things and encourages people to engage with the arts in new and meaningful ways.
It prompts reflection on representation in both classical music and public institutions. The performance features professional musicians from Chineke! alongside Chineke! Junior Orchestra and local youth from Lambeth Music Service, fostering mentorship and community engagement.
Orchitecture Brixton is produced by Aswarm and Lambeth Council in partnership with Chineke! Foundation, Lambeth Music Service, and Orbital Sound. Supported through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
