Ayanna Witter-Johnson: New Roots First Light

The evening

An immersive evening of music, poetry, dance and conversation, as singer, cellist and composer Ayanna Witter-Johnson launches her tenure as LSO St Luke’s Associate Artist with an event inspired by her forthcoming sophomore album, New Roots.

Blending contemporary song, spoken word, dance and live discussion, New Roots First Light explores themes of identity, belonging, ancestry, healing and renewal through the lens of the diaspora experience.

Both personal and universal, the evening invites audiences into a shared space of listening, reflection, connection and celebration.

Joined by her band members Chris Morris and Joshua Domfeh, with special guests including poet Inua Ellams (Barber Shop Chronicles, An Evening with an Immigrant), dancers Remi and Anya Ferdinand (Hamilton, Matthew Bourne company, Cabaret and Legally Blonde) and presented by Ashley Joseph (Get Up Stand Up: The Bob Marley Musical, JoJo & Gran Gran), the evening moves between intimate reflection and powerful live performance, weaving together stories, rhythms and ideas that ask what it means to grow while remaining connected to where we come from.

I’m delighted to deepen my longstanding relationship with the LSO through this artistic partnership. LSO St Luke’s has been the setting for many pivotal artistic moments in my career, and I’m excited to broaden my artistic practice and to welcome new voices, perspectives and artistic expression into this space. Ayanna Witter-Johnson

This event has been supported by POWER UP: managed by PRS Foundation in partnership with, Beggars Group, and the Black Music Coalition, with support from Creative Scotland, Arts Council of Wales, Creative Wales, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Believe and Simkins, plus AIM, the BPI, the FAC, The Ivors Academy, the MMF, the MPA, MPG, The Musicians’ Union, PPL, PRS for Music and the PRS Members’ Fund.