A born-and-raised Londoner, singer/cellist and composer Ayanna Witter-Johnson delves into the rich interplay of jazz and classical music as she explores the profound influence of jazz on her unique musical voice. This concert celebrates Scottish jazz legends—past and present—who have charted similar innovative paths.

Ayanna Witter-Johnson & Fergus McCreadie @ SWG3

SWG3 Glasgow

EPSG:4326

University Orchestra – Callum Smart, guest violin/leader; Bryce Burgess, viola soloist

Auer Hall

At the beginning of one of the most famous sunrises in music history: radiant and majestic, maximum light intensity from zero to one hundred within seconds. Richard Strauss's Thus Spoke Zarathustra is a magnificent masterpiece whose splendor no one can escape.

Life puzzles

Cologne Philharmonie

The performance opens with a brand new piece by Liverpool-born composer Nneka Cummins. Celebrating the ensemble in all its glory, Cummins creates electro-acoustic and acoustic music with a focus on colour, percussiveness and organic flowing melodies. The composer’s original sound-worlds are formed of new sonic combinations and timbral blends.

Chineke! Orchestra Celebrates a Decade: Part Two

Southbank Centre

The performance opens with a brand new piece by Liverpool-born composer, Nneka Cummins. Celebrating the ensemble in all its glory, Nneka creates electro-acoustic and acoustic music with a focus on colour, percussiveness and organic flowing melodies. His original sound worlds are formed of new sonic combinations and timbral blends.

Kaija Saariaho’s Terra Memoria reflects on memory and change, evoking landscapes both personal and physical, while Wadada Leo Smith’s String Quartet No. 5 (In the Diaspora: Earthquakes and Sunrise Missions) conjures the forces of upheaval and renewal. In Warblework, Cassandra Miller transforms the intricate songs of North American thrushes into layered, weaving lines that blur the boundaries between human and avian voices. John Luther Adams’ The Wind in High Places turns string instruments into an aeolian harp, evoking vast, windswept landscapes. The programme also includes a brand new commission by London based composer Blasio Kavuma.

Ligeti Quartet: Sunrise Missions

Milton Court Concert Hall

Chineke! Orchestra joins forces with George the Poet for a night of music, spoken word and poetry around the themes of Resilience, Identity, Strength and Equality.

George the Poet, an artist whose work is often deeply political, collaborates with Chineke! Orchestra, Europe’s first professional orchestra made up of Black and ethnically diverse musicians.

R.i.s.e.

This landmark year celebrates not only musical excellence and diversity but also its role in illuminating works of previously overlooked composers, reinforcing its commitment to an inclusive classical music world.

Southbank Centre: Chineke! Orchestra Celebrates a Decade

The orchestra begins a year of celebrations marking its tenth anniversary with a performance in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, which also hosted its 2015 debut.

Chineke! Orchestra Celebrates a Decade

Join The Phoenix Symphony for a monumental performance of Brahms’ Symphony No. 1, under the baton of William Eddins, featuring the talented Bella Hristova on violin. This concert series promises an unforgettable journey from tragic struggle to triumphant victory, echoing the sentiments once stirred by Brahms’ masterpiece in 1876. The program is enriched with two remarkable works influenced by jazz and blues: "Blush" by Ayanna Witter-Johnson and the Grammy-winning Violin Concerto by Wynton Marsalis.

**Concert Repertoire:**
- Ayanna Witter-Johnson: Blush
- Wynton Marsalis: Violin Concerto
- Brahms: Symphony No. 1
- Plus a Mystery Piece

**Performance Dates & Times:**
- Friday, January 10, 2025, at 7:30 PM
- Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 7:30 PM
- Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM

**Location:** Symphony Hall, part of the Classics Series.

**Special Offer:** Interested in attending 4 or more performances? Become a subscriber and save 20%. Create your package today and immerse yourself in the world of classical music.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the power and beauty of Brahms’ Symphony No. 1, alongside innovative compositions that bridge classical music with contemporary sounds. Secure your tickets now and be part of a musical event that promises to be both inspiring and transformative.

Brahms’ Symphony No. 1

Phoenix Convention Center

Join the Phoenix Symphony for a unique and enlightening experience with "Coffee, Conversations & Classics - Brahms’ Symphony No. 1." This event offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a professional symphony orchestra during their rehearsal process. Hosted and moderated by Alex Amsel, Phoenix Symphony Associate Conductor, attendees will have the opportunity to witness the orchestra's preparation for an upcoming concert, featuring the iconic Brahms’ Symphony No. 1.

Under the baton of conductor William Eddins, and featuring the talented violinist Bella Hristova, the rehearsal will explore not only Brahms’ masterpiece, which after its debut in 1876 was hailed as Beethoven’s Tenth by the famed conductor Hans von Bülow, but also additional works influenced by jazz and blues. The program includes "Blush" by Ayanna Witter-Johnson and the Grammy-winning "Violin Concerto" by Wynton Marsalis, promising a rich and diverse musical experience.

The event will take place at Symphony Hall on Thursday, January 9, 2025, starting at 10:00 AM. This casual and intimate setting is perfect for classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike, offering general admission seating. Following the rehearsal, there will be a Q&A session with the guest conductor and musicians, providing insights into the music and the rehearsal process.

Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your appreciation for classical music and experience the Phoenix Symphony in an entirely new way.

Coffee, Conversations & Classics - Brahms’ Symphony No. 1

British saxophonist Jess Gillam is one of music’s young firewrackers. At 15, she gave a TEDx talk on her instrument, receiving over 100,000 views on YouTube. Her pioneering approach to concerts includes a desire to see more dancing, cheering and clapping between movements, saying, “an instinctive reaction from the audience only prove[s] the joy of music”.

A Recital by Jess Gillam saxophone

Aspen Meadows Resort

British saxophonist Jess Gillam is one of music’s young firecrackers. At 15, she gave a TEDx talk on her instrument, receiving over 100,000 views on YouTube. Her pioneering approach to concerts includes a desire to see more dancing, cheering and clapping between movements, saying, “an instinctive reaction from the audience only prove[s] the joy of music”.

Ayanna Witter-Johnson

Events

Past events

Apr 22, 2026

Ayanna Witter-Johnson & Fergus McCreadie @ SWG3 · BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

Jan 30, 2026

University Orchestra – Callum Smart, guest violin/leader; Bryce Burgess, viola soloist · Indiana University Jacobs School of Music

Future and recently performed repertoire

Cello in Open our eyes by Witter-Johnson

Chineke! Orchestra

Cello in New roots by Witter-Johnson

Chineke! Orchestra

About

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