There are some performances that stay with you, moments where music moves beyond sound and becomes something physical. Classically Black Birmingham was one of those nights.
In partnership between Black Lives in Music and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), the concert brought Laura Mvula home to Symphony Hall for a performance that was nothing short of magical. The air in the room carried a kind of quiet anticipation before the first note, and by the end, the hall was full of energy, emotion, and pride.
Laura’s connection to this space runs deep. Once working on the front desk at the CBSO Centre, she returned as an acclaimed artist, performing alongside an 80-piece orchestra under the baton of Matthew Lynch. Hearing songs like Sing to the Moon, Overcome, and Father Father reimagined with orchestral arrangements by Troy Miller, Daniel Hutchinson, and Richard Buckley was spellbinding. Each note seemed to lift higher, filling the venue with something that felt both warm and intimate.
By the end of the night, Laura received a standing ovation — one that seemed to last forever — before returning to perform an encore of Green Garden, her joyful signature piece that brought everyone to their feet. It was a true celebration of artistry, history, and homecoming.
Our Black Lives in Music team was proud to be there in support, witnessing this special moment for Birmingham and for Black classical music. The evening was also made possible through the dedication and vision of Roger Wilson, our Chief Operations Officer, whose leadership and partnership helped bring this collaboration with the CBSO to life.
For me, it was one of those nights that reminds you why we do this work, to create spaces where Black talent in classical music isn’t the exception, but part of the story.
Now, we carry that energy forward to Classically Black London, taking place this Saturday, 18 October 2025 at Kings Place, a day of performances, discussions, and discovery celebrating Black excellence across the classical world.
Book tickets for Classically Black London Saturday 18th October:
Classically Black – Kings Place