This is London October 2026 - Flipbook - Page 17
CHINEKE! LAUNCHES NEW SEASON
WITH THE AYOUB SISTERS
Chineke! Orchestra’s new season at
London’s Southbank Centre opens with
the London premiere of The Arabic
Symphony, a new work by ScottishEgyptian sister duo The Ayoub Sisters.
Taking place at Queen Elizabeth Hall on
11 October at 19.30, the concert launches
a season exploring collaboration,
representation and diverse musical voices.
The sisters first attracted international
attention in 2016 when their performance
of Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk went viral.
Since then, they have established
themselves as accomplished performers
and composers, developing a distinctive
musical identity that draws on their
Scottish and Egyptian heritage. Their new
symphony marks another chapter in their
long-standing relationship with Chineke!
Orchestra, with whom they have
performed for several years.
The concert features GRAMMY Awardwinning soprano Axelle Fanyo, awardwinning oboist Armand Djikoloum and
internationally acclaimed conductor Fawzi
Haimor. Alongside The Ayoub Sisters’ new
work, the programme includes music by
Valerie Coleman, Maurice Ravel, Ali
Osman and Kareem Roustom, bringing
together contrasting traditions and
perspectives.
The performance also introduces
Chineke!’s new Unity season, which asks:
‘What does unity sound like?’ The
2026/27 programme brings composers
and artists from diverse cultural
backgrounds together with established
classical repertoire, reflecting a broad
range of musical traditions.
Across the season, audiences can
expect works drawing on influences from
the Arab world and Latin America,
alongside music by Black British and
African-American composers.
Southbank Centre is London’s leading
arts complex, presenting world-class
music, dance, theatre, literature and visual
arts. Tickets are available at
www.southbankcentre.co.uk
17
Chineke! Orchestra.
Photo: Chuko Cribb
T H I S I S L O N D O N M A G A Z I N E • T H I S I S L O N D O N O N L I N E • w w w. t i l . c o m • @ t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g
