Residents across Croydon are invited to celebrate the 150th birthday of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor in a vibrant musical tribute at Fairfield Halls.

Presented by London Mozart Players, Resident Orchestra at Fairfield Halls, and commissioned by Croydon Council as part of their Samuel Coleridge-Taylor anniversary programme, this accessible performance proudly celebrates Black history and local musicians in Croydon, honouring a composer whose influence remains deeply embedded in the borough’s cultural DNA.

The event features new music and performances from Tunde Jegede, whose innovative style draws on contemporary European and African musical traditions, echoing Coleridge-Taylor’s own fusion of influences. Violinist Braimah Kanneh-Mason will bring fresh energy to Coleridge-Taylor’s Violin Concerto, one of the last works he composed before his death in 1912, alongside stirring performances of African-American Spirituals by the Croydon SDA Gospel Choir.

A trailblazing composer who increasingly drew on his Sierra Leonean heritage, Coleridge-Taylor navigated the complexities of being a Black artist in a predominantly White society, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire today.

London Mozart Players will also use the concert to launch the 2025 Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Prize, a pioneering initiative aimed at developing and showcasing young composers from underrepresented backgrounds across the UK.

On behalf of London Mozart Players, Sophie Haynes, Acting Chief Executive, said;

“At Fairfield Halls, everything we do is shaped by and created for Croydon, the community we are proud to be a part of. Samuel Coleridge-Taylor is an integral part of Croydon’s cultural heritage and we’re looking forward to honouring his legacy by showcasing the way he continues to inspire music-making today.

“Our mission at LMP is to present orchestral music in ways that are accessible and exciting, and we look forward to welcoming audiences, both old and new, to Fairfield on Sunday.”

Tickets are available through accessible ‘pay what you can’ pricing, starting at just £5, making this celebration truly open to all.

Classical music is a regular feature of Fairfield Halls’ programme. The venue is home to resident companies Talawa Theatre Company and London Mozart Players and regularly hosts rehearsals and recordings for prominent orchestras throughout the year.

Fairfield Halls is owned by Croydon Council and operated on their behalf by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live.

On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, shared

“We are thrilled to welcome audiences to this extraordinary celebration of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor to celebrate Croydon’s rich musical heritage. It’s a testament to our ongoing commitment to host more accessible, cultural experiences at Fairfield Halls to bring a diverse programme of events to the venue. London Mozart Players are promising to deliver another fantastic, inspiring evening of entertainment”

Croydon Executive Mayor, Jason Perry, said:

“We are delighted to be celebrating the 150th anniversary of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor with a weekend of music, art, and community heritage events across Croydon town centre. These celebrations honour the legacy of one of our borough’s most inspiring figures, while showcasing the creativity and diversity that make Croydon unique.

“From concerts and exhibitions to street performances and student-led projects, this programme reflects our commitment to accessible and inclusive cultural experiences and supports our vision for a vibrant town centre as set out in the Growth Plan.”

For those looking to enjoy their show night in style, The Terrace Bistro at Fairfield Halls offers an elegant and convenient pre-show dining experience to kickstart a great night of entertainment*. For bookings and to view the full menu, visit fairfield.co.uk/food-drink/bistro.

For more information about Fairfield Halls, including what’s on, visit fairfield.co.uk. Tickets can be purchased here.

For more information about London Mozart Players, visit londonmozartplayers.com.