Brixton Chamber Orchestra is set to perform at the TTG Luxury Travel Awards 2024 next month, bringing its innovative style to the sold-out ceremony in Westminster.
The south London-based charity will grace the stage of Raffles London at The OWO on March 1 for the annual event, which has been recognising exceptional individuals and businesses in the luxury travel industry for the past six years.
Founded by Brixton’s own Matthew O’Keefe in 2018, Brixton Chamber Orchestra has built a reputation as one of the borough’s finest acts and is fast becoming a one-to-watch on London’s music scene. The versatile group of professional and volunteer instrumentalists is best known for its multi-genre sound, dabbling in everything from jazz to grime in its mission to bring the ’simple pleasure of live music’ to the local community.
Its Street Band was born in 2020, in response to the Covid-19 restrictions on public gatherings and a discouragement of stationary music-making. Refusing to allow the lockdown to dampen their spirits, the choir downsized to six members and took to the outdoors to provide free concerts for lucky pedestrians. The Street Band has since secured a residency at The Blues Kitchen on Fridays and Saturdays, and is now a regular fixture at community fairs and national festivals.
Today, Brixton Chamber Orchestra can be found playing around Lambeth, popping up at markets, parks, clubs, church halls and community centres. The band delivered a total of 93 gigs last year, with shows in Barcode, Brockwell Bounce, and the Ritzy. It has also performed at high-profile events like Glastonbury, the London Marathon, The Ashes and Winter Wonderland, as well as numerous weddings, private parties and corporate gatherings across the UK.
Having wowed audiences with its catchy hooks and nomadic style, Brixton Chamber Orchestra is determined to keep the momentum alive on its biannual 12-date tour of Lambeth’s housing estates this summer. Another goal of the charity is to showcase young talent from a range of backgrounds, providing a platform for artists from the local area and inspiring future generations.
After being impressed by a ‘jaw-dropping’ rendition of the theme music from hit TV show Succession and a medley of other songs during the Carnival of Culture for the Coronation Weekend in May, TTG Luxury editor April Hutchinson knew the collective was perfect for the upcoming TTG Luxury Travel Awards this March.
“At TTG Media, we’re all about keeping things interesting for our audiences. I was blown away by the talent of Brixton Chamber Orchestra at the King’s Coronation celebrations when they were literally playing on my street, so I am delighted we can help bring their showstopping music to our event on 1 March,” Hutchinson said.
TTG Media will also be fundraising for Shelter at the awards ceremony, inviting its 350 guests to enter a raffle for the chance to win two luxurious prizes. Founded in 1966, the UK charity is dedicated to supporting individuals affected by homelessness and housing issues across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
“Shelter exists to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything. Home is a human right. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency. Right now, thousands of people are trying to get by without a safe place to call home,” said Ellie Pocock, South London’s Community Fundraiser for Shelter.
Hutchinson added: “While celebrating the successes of winners and finalists and all our guests, it’s important to also use the event as a platform to highlight causes and charities we feel passionately about – we hope guests feel the same and dig deep to give what they can for Shelter.”
