Latest news with #Chineke!Orchestra
Ottawa Citizen
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Ottawa Citizen
Montreal's diverse Ensemble Obiora is changing the faces of classical music
Article content The classical music world is pretty white. But rather than simply accept the imbalance and hope things change eventually, Allison Migeon and her partner Brandyn Lewis decided to do something about it. Article content 'It started in 2021,' Migeon said. 'Brandyn and I were asking ourselves a lot of questions, like many people, about what we wanted to do and things we wanted to change professionally. Also, with everything that happened around (the death of) George Floyd, we took time to think — how could it be that in the milieu we had evolved in for so many years, there was so little representation of people of different origins? It was always the same types of people on stage, and the same types of repertoire being played.' Article content Article content And so Migeon and Lewis founded Ensemble Obiora, Canada's first orchestra comprised primarily of professional musicians from culturally diverse backgrounds. Migeon, who has experience in cultural administration, is the group's director. Lewis, a double bassist who is the first Black musician to perform regularly with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, is Ensemble Obiora's artistic director. Article content Article content They began reaching out to racialized musicians they knew, and as word spread, people began contacting them. Article content 'There was a lot of interest,' Migeon said. 'It's something new that had never been done in Canada. We're used to seeing this type of orchestra in the U.S., and there's Chineke! Orchestra in London, but in Canada, there's nothing like this in classical music.' Article content Ensemble Obiora is made up of approximately 50 musicians primarily from Quebec and Ontario, who come together in various combinations depending on the repertoire of a given concert. They are of African, South Asian, Middle Eastern and Indigenous heritage, with a few white players thrown in for good measure. Article content Article content 'Our goal is to reflect the society we live in,' Migeon said. 'We don't want to discriminate. It's important to have allies.' Article content Article content The orchestra is in its fourth year of participation in the OSM's Virée classique concert series, being held Aug. 13 to 17. As the ensemble in residence of the music department of Université du Québec à Montréal for the past three years, it engages in activities with students and performs regularly at UQAM's Salle Pierre-Mercure. Article content This weekend, Ensemble Obiora steps outside, performing for free Saturday at 7 p.m. in N.D.G. Park and Sunday at 2 p.m. in Ahuntsic Park as part of the Campbell Concerts series. For the occasion, the group will play music by composers of African descent. Article content The program features three works. Tzigane, for wind quintet, by Grammy-nominated American flautist and composer Valerie Coleman, 'a piece inspired by Eastern European music and the Roma,' Migeon said; Nonet In F Minor, by 19th-century British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor; and Danzas de Panama, by 20th-century American composer William Grant Still, whom Migeon describes as 'the don of African-American composers, and the first Black man to conduct an American orchestra.'
Montreal Gazette
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Montreal Gazette
Montreal's diverse Ensemble Obiora is changing the faces of classical music
Music The classical music world is pretty white. But rather than simply accept the imbalance and hope things change eventually, Allison Migeon and her partner Brandyn Lewis decided to do something about it. 'It started in 2021,' Migeon said. 'Brandyn and I were asking ourselves a lot of questions, like many people, about what we wanted to do and things we wanted to change professionally. Also, with everything that happened around (the death of) George Floyd, we took time to think — how could it be that in the milieu we had evolved in for so many years, there was so little representation of people of different origins? It was always the same types of people on stage, and the same types of repertoire being played.' And so Migeon and Lewis founded Ensemble Obiora, Canada's first orchestra comprised primarily of professional musicians from culturally diverse backgrounds. Migeon, who has experience in cultural administration, is the group's director. Lewis, a double bassist who is the first Black musician to perform regularly with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, is Ensemble Obiora's artistic director. They began reaching out to racialized musicians they knew, and as word spread, people began contacting them. 'There was a lot of interest,' Migeon said. 'It's something new that had never been done in Canada. We're used to seeing this type of orchestra in the U.S., and there's Chineke! Orchestra in London, but in Canada, there's nothing like this in classical music.' Ensemble Obiora is made up of approximately 50 musicians primarily from Quebec and Ontario, who come together in various combinations depending on the repertoire of a given concert. They are of African, South Asian, Middle Eastern and Indigenous heritage, with a few white players thrown in for good measure. 'Our goal is to reflect the society we live in,' Migeon said. 'We don't want to discriminate. It's important to have allies.' The orchestra is in its fourth year of participation in the OSM's Virée classique concert series, being held Aug. 13 to 17. As the ensemble in residence of the music department of Université du Québec à Montréal for the past three years, it engages in activities with students and performs regularly at UQAM's Salle Pierre-Mercure. This weekend, Ensemble Obiora steps outside, performing for free Saturday at 7 p.m. in N.D.G. Park and Sunday at 2 p.m. in Ahuntsic Park as part of the Campbell Concerts series. For the occasion, the group will play music by composers of African descent. The program features three works. Tzigane, for wind quintet, by Grammy-nominated American flautist and composer Valerie Coleman, 'a piece inspired by Eastern European music and the Roma,' Migeon said; Nonet In F Minor, by 19th-century British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor; and Danzas de Panama, by 20th-century American composer William Grant Still, whom Migeon describes as 'the don of African-American composers, and the first Black man to conduct an American orchestra.' Engaging with such material 'is important for us,' Migeon said. 'It creates energy between the musicians on stage.' Toronto violinist Kirit Mascarenhas was drawn to that energy. He was introduced to Ensemble Obiora by violinist and Obiora concertmaster Tanya Charles. (Obiora operates with guest conductors, with Charles generally leading rehearsals.) 'I had always looked for an opportunity to feel this sort of connection with an ensemble,' Mascarenhas said, 'a place where I feel a sense of community, a collaborative space that is inviting and where I can look out in the audience and in the orchestra and feel seen and included. 'It's an opportunity to explore new music in unique ways that really engage audiences, while still paying homage to the work we have done in our formal education in the classical scene.' Mascarenhas was born in Goa, India, and has lived in Canada since he was six. His last name is Portuguese, a legacy of colonization he says creates 'almost an identity crisis, where you're Indian but you've got this Portuguese heritage so you could apply for European citizenship; but Indian people say, 'Are you really Indian?' It's convoluted.' He was inspired by a concert Ensemble Obiora gave in March celebrating the diversity of female expression and women's impact on classical music, with guest conductor Janna Sailor. The performance included a rendition of Meri Sakhi Ki Avaaz (My Sister's Voice), a piece for chamber orchestra by Indian-American composer Reena Esmail featuring Cameroonian-Québécoise soprano Suzanne Taffot and Toronto-based Hindustani singer Anuja Panditrao. The first movement offers a modern take on 19th-century French composer Léo Delibes's famous Flower Duet from the opera Lakmé. 'The structure demonstrates how you can showcase two voices from different worlds,' Mascarenhas said. 'It was an incredible opportunity and the kind of collaboration that reveals how we can really push boundaries within the classical field.'
Leader Live
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
‘It's been incredible': Little Simz ends Meltdown festival with orchestral show
The 31-year-old, whose real name is Simbiatu Ajikawo, brought out guests including rapper Wretch 32, Nigerian artist Obongjayar, and singer Miraa May, during a show which saw her backed by Europe's first majority black and ethnically diverse orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall. After opening with Introvert from Mercury Prize-winning album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (2021), the London-born rapper told the crowd: 'Thank you guys so much for coming to see me this evening. A post shared by simz (@littlesimz) 'This is the last day of Meltdown festival, it's been incredible, please make some noise for the Chineke! Orchestra, please make some noise for my band on stage tonight, I want to have a good time with you guys, here we go.' She then kicked into Thief from latest album Lotus, which was released earlier this month. The artist said she was 'very excited' to be playing her new record live, but told the audience she was also going to 'take it back', before performing Two Worlds Apart. Before I Love You, I Hate You, Simz asked the crowd: 'Why you lot sitting down?' prompting them to spring into the air, dancing and singing along, where they remained for the rest of the concert. For Heart On Fire from No Thank You (2022) the rapper hopped off the stage and prowled into the crowd, waving to and holding hands with fans, while Venom, one of her best known tracks, saw Simz jump on to the conductor's podium to conduct the orchestra for the song's opening while rapping. Before Free, from her latest record, Simz told the audience: 'This next song, I wrote as a poem, and I'm so happy I made it into a song, because, it's even stuff I need to hear sometimes, you know? 'If you know it, if you like it, I would love if we can sing it together, I think it'll sound beautiful in here.' For Peace, the rapper brought out singer May, who she said she had known 'for a very long time, since we was like 14, 15', adding that they used to sit in a park in Shoreditch and write songs together, saying it was 'so special' to perform with her on the night. Obongjayar, who released his second album Paradise Now in May, brought upbeat party vibes for Lotus's Lion and Sometimes I Might Be Introvert's Point And Kill. London-born rapper Wretch 32 appeared on the balcony as Simz began the duet Blood from her latest album, making his way down to the stage, where they were joined by singer Cashh for the family argument-turned song. Before last two songs, Woman and Gorilla, she said: 'This has been so special, man, thank you guys for being here, thank you so much to Chineke! Orchestra, most importantly you guys, man, you guys, honestly. 'It's been so much fun, you've been dancing, you've been singing and really catching our vibe. 'I'm so very grateful.' This year's Meltdown, curated by Simz, has seen performances from the likes of Lola Young, The Streets and Ghetts since the 11-day festival began on June 12. Each year the event is curated by a different artist, with last year's event being planned by Chaka Khan, while other past curators include David Bowie, Grace Jones and Patti Smith. Meltdown has become known for unique performances, with The Smiths' lead singer Morrissey getting a reunited New York Dolls to perform at his 2004 event, Ray Davies restaging 1960s TV pop show Ready Steady Go! in 2011, and Jeff Buckley playing his final UK show at Elvis Costello's Meltdown in 1995.
Rhyl Journal
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
‘It's been incredible': Little Simz ends Meltdown festival with orchestral show
The 31-year-old, whose real name is Simbiatu Ajikawo, brought out guests including rapper Wretch 32, Nigerian artist Obongjayar, and singer Miraa May, during a show which saw her backed by Europe's first majority black and ethnically diverse orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall. After opening with Introvert from Mercury Prize-winning album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (2021), the London-born rapper told the crowd: 'Thank you guys so much for coming to see me this evening. A post shared by simz (@littlesimz) 'This is the last day of Meltdown festival, it's been incredible, please make some noise for the Chineke! Orchestra, please make some noise for my band on stage tonight, I want to have a good time with you guys, here we go.' She then kicked into Thief from latest album Lotus, which was released earlier this month. The artist said she was 'very excited' to be playing her new record live, but told the audience she was also going to 'take it back', before performing Two Worlds Apart. Before I Love You, I Hate You, Simz asked the crowd: 'Why you lot sitting down?' prompting them to spring into the air, dancing and singing along, where they remained for the rest of the concert. For Heart On Fire from No Thank You (2022) the rapper hopped off the stage and prowled into the crowd, waving to and holding hands with fans, while Venom, one of her best known tracks, saw Simz jump on to the conductor's podium to conduct the orchestra for the song's opening while rapping. Before Free, from her latest record, Simz told the audience: 'This next song, I wrote as a poem, and I'm so happy I made it into a song, because, it's even stuff I need to hear sometimes, you know? 'If you know it, if you like it, I would love if we can sing it together, I think it'll sound beautiful in here.' For Peace, the rapper brought out singer May, who she said she had known 'for a very long time, since we was like 14, 15', adding that they used to sit in a park in Shoreditch and write songs together, saying it was 'so special' to perform with her on the night. Obongjayar, who released his second album Paradise Now in May, brought upbeat party vibes for Lotus's Lion and Sometimes I Might Be Introvert's Point And Kill. London-born rapper Wretch 32 appeared on the balcony as Simz began the duet Blood from her latest album, making his way down to the stage, where they were joined by singer Cashh for the family argument-turned song. Before last two songs, Woman and Gorilla, she said: 'This has been so special, man, thank you guys for being here, thank you so much to Chineke! Orchestra, most importantly you guys, man, you guys, honestly. 'It's been so much fun, you've been dancing, you've been singing and really catching our vibe. 'I'm so very grateful.' This year's Meltdown, curated by Simz, has seen performances from the likes of Lola Young, The Streets and Ghetts since the 11-day festival began on June 12. Each year the event is curated by a different artist, with last year's event being planned by Chaka Khan, while other past curators include David Bowie, Grace Jones and Patti Smith. Meltdown has become known for unique performances, with The Smiths' lead singer Morrissey getting a reunited New York Dolls to perform at his 2004 event, Ray Davies restaging 1960s TV pop show Ready Steady Go! in 2011, and Jeff Buckley playing his final UK show at Elvis Costello's Meltdown in 1995.
South Wales Guardian
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
‘It's been incredible': Little Simz ends Meltdown festival with orchestral show
The 31-year-old, whose real name is Simbiatu Ajikawo, brought out guests including rapper Wretch 32, Nigerian artist Obongjayar, and singer Miraa May, during a show which saw her backed by Europe's first majority black and ethnically diverse orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall. After opening with Introvert from Mercury Prize-winning album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (2021), the London-born rapper told the crowd: 'Thank you guys so much for coming to see me this evening. A post shared by simz (@littlesimz) 'This is the last day of Meltdown festival, it's been incredible, please make some noise for the Chineke! Orchestra, please make some noise for my band on stage tonight, I want to have a good time with you guys, here we go.' She then kicked into Thief from latest album Lotus, which was released earlier this month. The artist said she was 'very excited' to be playing her new record live, but told the audience she was also going to 'take it back', before performing Two Worlds Apart. Before I Love You, I Hate You, Simz asked the crowd: 'Why you lot sitting down?' prompting them to spring into the air, dancing and singing along, where they remained for the rest of the concert. For Heart On Fire from No Thank You (2022) the rapper hopped off the stage and prowled into the crowd, waving to and holding hands with fans, while Venom, one of her best known tracks, saw Simz jump on to the conductor's podium to conduct the orchestra for the song's opening while rapping. Before Free, from her latest record, Simz told the audience: 'This next song, I wrote as a poem, and I'm so happy I made it into a song, because, it's even stuff I need to hear sometimes, you know? 'If you know it, if you like it, I would love if we can sing it together, I think it'll sound beautiful in here.' For Peace, the rapper brought out singer May, who she said she had known 'for a very long time, since we was like 14, 15', adding that they used to sit in a park in Shoreditch and write songs together, saying it was 'so special' to perform with her on the night. Obongjayar, who released his second album Paradise Now in May, brought upbeat party vibes for Lotus's Lion and Sometimes I Might Be Introvert's Point And Kill. London-born rapper Wretch 32 appeared on the balcony as Simz began the duet Blood from her latest album, making his way down to the stage, where they were joined by singer Cashh for the family argument-turned song. Before last two songs, Woman and Gorilla, she said: 'This has been so special, man, thank you guys for being here, thank you so much to Chineke! Orchestra, most importantly you guys, man, you guys, honestly. 'It's been so much fun, you've been dancing, you've been singing and really catching our vibe. 'I'm so very grateful.' This year's Meltdown, curated by Simz, has seen performances from the likes of Lola Young, The Streets and Ghetts since the 11-day festival began on June 12. Each year the event is curated by a different artist, with last year's event being planned by Chaka Khan, while other past curators include David Bowie, Grace Jones and Patti Smith. Meltdown has become known for unique performances, with The Smiths' lead singer Morrissey getting a reunited New York Dolls to perform at his 2004 event, Ray Davies restaging 1960s TV pop show Ready Steady Go! in 2011, and Jeff Buckley playing his final UK show at Elvis Costello's Meltdown in 1995.
