Joan Armatrading pens first symphony and eyes career move into classical music

25 April 2023 , 20:21

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Joan Armatrading is turning her back on pop music

Having enjoyed 50 years at the top of her game, the iconic Joan Armatrading CBE is hanging up her guitar....

But only while she follows in the footsteps of.... Mozart.

For in an unlikely move, the rock n’roll legend has now turned from composing pop to composing her first classical symphony.

And while the 72-year-old’s used to playing stadiums with the likes of Queen and Eric Clapton, she’s now looking forward to the world premiere of “Symphony Number One” at London’s Southbank Centre.

For fans of the multi Grammy and BRIT nominee, it may seem a bit of a odd departure, especially from her hit albums like Show Some Emotion and Me Myself I.

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Joan is about to debut her first symphony

Yet Joan, who moved to Birmingham from St Kitts aged seven and is self taught in music, says the new project came to her like a lightbulb moment.

“I have always known that I would write a classical piece at some point in my life,” says the Hearts and Flowers star, who made a surprise appearance with rapper Little Simz at this year’s BAFTAs.

“One day, I was in my studio and out of the blue I decided that this was the day. I started with the melodic second movement - it felt to me like writing a song. All in all, to write the complete symphony took roughly five months. It has no theme as such but aims to be uplifting.

“As usual I stayed in the way of composing that I have done when I write pop songs. I’m just myself. I didn’t write the symphony thinking I wanted it to be like anyone but Joan.”

The premiere is this Novermber 24, where it will be performed by the Chineke! Orchestra.

So can it strike the right chord with classical fans? I guess, only time will (William) tell (ahem!).

Jessica Boulton