Music

Brixton Chamber Orchestra tour celebrates local talent

15 July, 2025

The Brixton Chamber Orchestra (BCO) summer estates tour kicks off on Friday (18 July) bringing a now traditional feast of free music from grime to opera.

Over two weekends – 18–20 and 25–27 July – the BCO’s 30-piece orchestra of young, dynamic and diverse musicians, will ensure each of 11 concerts on Lambeth housing estates is full of energy and will be electric.

BCO said this year’s tour brings a genre-blending soundtrack for summer. An hour-long set will mix classical music with grime, jazz, R&B, pop and more.

“At the heart of the tour is a celebration of local talent,” said BCO, a registered charity.

The orchestra will be joined by an exciting mix of South London special guests, including emerging vocalists, rappers and open mic performers who will take the stage alongside the orchestra.

Audience members are also invited to get involved, with open-mic opportunities at every show.

“Grab a picnic blanket and bring everyone you know for a free, family-friendly experience,” said BCO. “Discover something new and enjoy an unforgettable afternoon or evening of music right on your doorstep.”

Joining the tour will be Mami Marissa, a multi-genre singer from Brixton. Her distinctive sound blends hip hop and RnB with skippy melodies and fluid flows, creating music that is both uplifting and emotionally rich.

Her debut EP, Intervention of Self, was a highly anticipated release that exceeded expectations and was warmly received by her supporters and embraced by new listeners. The project also features her breakout single Go with the Flow, which continues to gain traction.

Also performing is acclaimed producer and sound artist Shem Lawrence, best known as Blackmale Beats.

Renowned for his genre-spanning production and powerful storytelling through sampling, Shem has collaborated with music legends including Barrington Levy and Blak Twang.

His work has also featured in cultural programmes at leading venues including Tate, the Black Cultural Archives, and the British Library.

BCO estates tours began in December 2018. Each December and July, they bring 30 musicians to perform a varied programme on housing estates across Lambeth.

Summer tour performances take place outdoors, in grassy gardens or in the amphitheatre-like central spaces on estates surrounded by balconied tower blocks.

Where possible, performances are integrated into residents’ existing events, with the whole community coming together in celebration. This way BCO makes sure they have as large an impact as possible and can enhance the efforts already made by community leaders.

BCO’s unique two-tier orchestra, composed of both professionals and talented volunteers, embodies the spirit of Brixton, celebrating local talent and cultural diversity.

It has four core aims: to bring orchestral music to new audiences; provide a platform for Brixton’s musicians; innovate orchestral experiences; and be a cherished part of the community.

For tour details, visit BCO’s Summer Estates Tour 2025 webpage: https://brixchamber.com/gigs/Summer-Estates-Tour-2025