The orchestra marks the first Stephen Lawrence Day, held on the anniversary of the teenager's murder in 1993, with a concert of works by BME composers.

Chineke! Orchestra performs Errollyn Wallen's upbeat Concerto Grosso for piano, violin and double bass, Philip Herbert's Elegy, written in memory of Lawrence and featuring an orchestra of 18 string players – one for each year of his life, and the sparkling Starburst by the young American composer, Jessie Montgomery. Avril Coleridge-Taylor’s Sussex Landscape receives a rare performance, an expansive reflection on the beauty of that part of southern England where she spent the final years of her life.

Beethoven's joyous Eighth Symphony rounds off the evening.

The concert coincides with the release of a new CD on the NMC Recordings label featuring works by seven BME composers, including Wallen and Herbert, whom Chineke! has championed over the past three years.

In the late afternoon, there is a panel talk and discussion by key speakers on the subject of social injustice, gang culture and racial inequality.

Performers

Chineke! Orchestra 
Michael Morgan conductor
Rebeca Omordia piano
Kelly Hall Tompkins violin
Chi-chi Nwanoku double bass

Repertoire

Errollyn Wallen: Concerto grosso for piano, violin & double bass
Philip Herbert: Elegy: In memoriam - Stephen Lawrence
Jessie Montgomery: Starburst
Avril Coleridge-Taylor: Sussex Landscape, Op.27
Interval
Beethoven: Symphony No.8

More info here.