In the first episode of this six-part Trinity Laban Crosscurrent series, host Will Howarth talks to members of the Trinity Laban community about what Black History Month means to them and how they are creating work which champions and recognises black excellence in the music and dance industries.
Also, a walk through Greenwich with author and historian S.I Martin uncovers some of the significant black histories of this famous Royal borough of London.
Uchenna Ngwe
Born in North London, Uchenna Ngwe studied oboe and cor anglais at Trinity College of Music, gaining a BMus (Hons) and later returning on a scholarship for a postgraduate diploma. Since then, her playing has taken her across Europe, Africa and Asia.
She is currently studying on the Research Degree Programme in Creative Practice at Trinity Laban and is a co-founder of chamber music group The Decus Ensemble.
Decus Ensemble is a flexible and diverse group of professional classical musicians who work together to promote the works of less well-known composers throughout classical music history, for a range of instruments. As part of the plainsightSOUND project that launched in 2018, they are currently exploring the music and histories of Black Caribbean and African classical composers with links to Britain.
Aaron Chaplin
Born and raised in London, Aaron graduated from the BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance degree at Trinity Laban in 2017. From here he joined Phoenix Dance Theatre as an Apprentice Dancer through Northern School of Contemporary Dance’s professional apprenticeship scheme, becoming a junior dancer in August 2018.
Phoenix Dance Theatre creates dynamic, diverse and athletic work that embodies the spirit of a multicultural Britain. They are the UK’s longest standing contemporary dance company outside London and regularly tour nationally and internationally.
Transcription and media at:
https://www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/tl-crosscurrent-black-history-month
Trinity Laban Crosscurrent is produced by Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the podcast contributors and do not necessarily represent those of the institution as a whole.
