A concert celebrating the remarkable life and legacy of Joseph Bologne, the 18th century composer, virtuoso violinist, and superstar fencer often referred to as the ‘Black Mozart’ is happening at Leeds Conservatoire later this month.
Joseph Bologne de Saint-George (via Wikimedia Commons)
Taking place in The Venue on 26 March from 6:30PM, the performance is part of the New Connections project, a collaborative initiative developed with Orchestras Live now in its third year. The programme brings together professional musicians, students from the conservatoire, plus pupils from Leeds schools to create and perform new music inspired by history, community and cultural exchange.
Composed and directed by jazz pianist Pete Letanka, The Chevalier is a contemporary song cycle that places Bologne’s music at its centre while exploring the story of his extraordinary life, from his Caribbean childhood to his rise in revolutionary France.
With Leeds soon to celebrate 400 years since being awarded its first city charter by King Charles I, and Leeds Conservatoire and Orchestras Live both marking their 60th anniversaries, audiences are invited to attend a musical evening that reflects on how influential historical figures can fade from public memory and why.
Patsy Gilbert, Vice Principal at Leeds Conservatoire, said: “In our 60th year we are taking every opportunity to look back over our history, celebrating our successes and acknowledging where voices and stories are missing. Welcoming back our alumnus Pete Letanka to present this work with our students, alongside our partner Orchestras Live, celebrating a musician who is seldom recognised is a fantastic representation of how we hope to make positive change in the next 60 years and beyond."
Becky West, Regional Producer North at Orchestras Live, added: "New Connections enables young people to explore their creativity and to experience the thrill of performing live with a professional orchestra. We are excited to be celebrating Bologne's story and music in a concert which offers young people and audiences the chance to discover orchestral music both old and new."
The concert will be conducted by Tom Fetherstonhaugh and performed by Manchester Camerata alongside the Leeds Conservatoire Orchestra, together with choirs from Kerr Mackie Primary School and Roundhay School and the ensemble from the latter, showcasing music co-created through the project’s community workshops.
The evening’s programme includes Letanka’s The Chevalier, Joseph Bologne’s Symphony No. 1, and newly created Hidden Histories works. The performance blends classical, jazz, and calypso influences, creating a vibrant musical journey that connects the sounds of the 18th century with the contemporary sounds of Leeds.
