An ‘almost lost’ album sees its UK live premier after 30 years.

There was no time to catch our breath after the Chaka Khan concert – just five days later, on Friday 28 June, Nu Civilisation Orchestra were back on stage, this time performing with Brazilian composer Arthur Verocai at the Barbican.

Verocai was performing his eponymous 1972 album in the UK for the first time and was joined on stage by special guests guitarist Rogê, and vocalist Paula Santoro.
 
As a composer and recording artist Verocai had been something of an underground figure. The Arthur Verocai album wasn’t a commercial success, until being rediscovered some 30 years later by DJs and being sampled by hip hop artists including MF Doom and Ludacris.
 
But a whole new cohort of fans came out in force to pack the Barbican Hall for a wonderful night of music – cheering, clapping, and stamping their demands for a second encore.

A huge shout out also needs to go to Benjamin Burell, composer, orchestrator, arranger, musical director, and a Tomorrow’s Warriors Music Leader. Ben worked with the Orchestra in advance of the show, including rehearsals and was a key part in the build up to this fantastic evening. Thank you Ben!