Metropole Orkest to BBC Proms with South African jazz

Metropole Orkest has been invited for the 7th time to perform in the most prestigious concert series in the world, the BBC Proms. On 28 August 2022, the orchestra will present ‘The South African Jazz Songbook’ with soloists Siyabonga Mthembu, Soweto Kinch, ESKA and Theon Cross. The concert will be broadcasted live on BBC Radio 3.

In recent years, the Metropole Orkest has been invited several times for concerts at the BBC Proms to further its mission to attract new and more diverse audiences. Programs with the music of Nina Simone (2019), Jacob Collier (2018), Charles Mingus (2017), Quincy Jones (2016), the London rap and grime scene (2015) and Laura Mvula (2014) filled the Royal Albert Hall, receiving the Metropole Orkest international attention and appreciation.

Jan Geert Vierkant, director Metropole Orkest: “We are delighted to be returning to the BBC Proms after two years of forced absence. After six successful projects with our honorary conductor Jules Buckley, we are now traveling to London with the South African conductor Marcus. Wyatt, a vote of confidence from the BBC Proms in the Metropole Orkest.”

Under the direction of South African trumpeter and conductor Marcus Wyatt, the Metropole Orkest will be playing South African jazz this year. With music by Dudu Pukwana, Abdullah Ibrahim, Johnny Dyani, Winston Mankunku, Bheki Mseleku, Hugh Masekela and Jonas Gwangwa, the audience will get a cross section of the South African jazz scene. Soloists this evening are singer Siyabonga Mthembu, saxophonist Soweto Kinch, singer ESKA and tuba player Theon Cross.