NU CIVILISATION Orchestra (NCO) is set to dazzle audiences with a special live performance alongside the legendary Chaka Khan to conclude this year’s Meltdown Festival. The highly anticipated event will mark the 20th anniversary of the festival and will take place at the prestigious Royal Festival Hall on June 23.
Chaka Khan will be showcasing her much-loved album ‘ClassiKhan’, featuring classic songs from the American Songbook, jazz standards, and iconic movie soundtracks such as ‘Hey Big Spender’, ‘Diamonds Are Forever’, and ‘Stormy Weather’. Award-winning pianist, composer, and musical director Peter Edwards will once again lead the NCO in bringing this unique blend of music to life.
The upcoming performance of ‘ClassiKhan’ follows NCO’s successful show last April, where they reimagined David Bowie’s ‘Aladdin Sane’ as part of the Aladdin Sane: 50 Years celebration at the Southbank Centre. The orchestra has also delighted audiences with their renditions of Stan Getz’s ‘Focus’, Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On’, Joni Mitchell’s ‘Hejira’ and ‘Mingus’, and Duke Ellington’s ‘The Queen’s Suite’.
Gary Crosby OBE, Founder and Artistic Director of Nu Civilisation Orchestra and Tomorrow’s Warriors, expressed his excitement about the collaboration with Chaka Khan, calling it a historic moment for both NCO and Meltdown. Peter Edwards, the orchestra’s musical director, echoed these sentiments, praising Chaka Khan’s musical influence and the opportunity to present ‘ClassiKhan’ live for the first time.
Fans can catch the incredible performance of ‘ClassiKhan’ at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are now available for purchase online. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of music and artistry by Chaka Khan and the Nu Civilisation Orchestra.