Orchestra soars as Chaka celebrates her jazz roots.

Chaka Khan is celebrating 50 years of her pioneering career, so it was fitting that the soul legend curated this year’s Meltdown Festival at the Southbank Centre.
 
For the finale concert, on Sunday 23rd June, at the Royal Festival Hall, Chaka marked the 20^th anniversary of her album ClassiKhan, a celebration of her love of jazz.
 
If there were any butterflies or pre-show nerves amongst the members of the Nu Civilisation Orchestra, led by Musical Director Peter Edwards, they were definitely not on show as they took to the stage alongside the great lady herself and her rhythm section.

This was an evening that rejoiced in the music that inspired Chaka, and the Orchestra soared as they accompanied her on her musical voyage. The addition of the 20-voice Chaka Khan Meltdown Choir, led fantastically by vocalist Tawiah, took it to church (and then some!) every time they joined the party.

With the addition of Ain’t Nobody and I’m Every Woman (featuring special guests Mica Paris, Judi Jackson, and Lady Blackbird – all of whom had performed their own headline shows as part of this year’s Meltdown) this was the perfect party for a true music icon and her music! (And you bet we got up and danced!)

Here’s a glimpse behind the scenes at rehearsal and soundcheck…