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Congo Calling: An African Orchestra in Britain

Following the Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste and choir as they make their debut UK visit, the latest step in an extraordinary odyssey for the world's first all-black orchestra.

Documentary following the inspirational Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste and choir as they make their debut visit to the UK. It captures the latest step in an extraordinary odyssey for the world's first all-black orchestra, formed 20 years ago from a group of self-taught church musicians in Kinshasa, the capital city of the turbulent DRC.

From the moment the 100-strong party led by conductor Armand Diangienda touches down at Manchester Airport, we follow them night and day as they work side by side with the Halle orchestra and choir and later at the Southbank in London with members of the National Youth Orchestra, BBC orchestras, Southbank Sinfonia and more.

Amongst the hectic schedule of instrument repairs, seminars, rehearsals and performances, they still find time for a visit to Manchester United's Old Trafford ground, and down south take a trip to the Proms and a flight on the London Eye that turns into a joyous spontaneous singalong. The climax is a concert at London's Royal Festival Hall, with a programme embracing the rousing ode to brotherhood of Beethoven's 9th, along with a symphony written by members of the orchestra.

From the inside out, Congo Calling charts the pride and the passion - and the joie de vivre - of an orchestral community abroad. It is an eye-opening exchange of experience and ideas between European and African musicians, between seasoned professionals and ever-passionate amateurs.

1 hour

Last on

Mon 17 Nov 2014 02:55
BBC Four

Clips

See all clips from Congo Calling: An African Orchestra in Britain (3)

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • Franco & Le Tpok Jazz

    Anduku Lutshuma

  • Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste Chorus

    Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah

  • Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste Chorus

    Va Pensiero, Chorus of the Hebrew Slave

  • Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste & Halle Orchestra

    Finlandia

  • Hi Life International

    Awo De Me

  • Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste & Halle Youth Choir

    Video

  • Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste

    Symphony no 1 Tata Kimbangu

  • Mose Fan Fan

    Buka Bisengo

  • Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste & Chorus

    Beethoven Symphony no 9

  • Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Choir & Children's Choir & London Symphony Chorus

    Beethoven Symphony no 9

  • Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste Chorus

    Mvuluzi Wutukidi

  • Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste Chorus

    Nkolo na biso Yesu, Our Lord Jesus Christ

  • Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste & National Youth Orchestra

    Berlioz, Symphonie Fantasique, 5th Movement

  • Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste Chorus

    Wimoweh

  • Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste & Chorus, BBC Symphony & Concert Orchestra, National Youth Orchestra, Southbank Sinfonia, Halle Youth Choir & London Philharmonic Chorus

    Beethoven Symphony no 9

  • Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste & Chorus, BBC Symphony & Concert Orchestra, National Youth Orchestra, Southbank Sinfonia

    Sibelius' Finlandia

Credits

Producer Serena Cross
Director Serena Cross

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