Manchester’s Untold Orchestra will bring the sound of Nina Simone to Hulme’s NIA theatre (formerly NIAMOS) on Saturday, April 23rd, with their highly anticipated new show ‘Nina @ the NIA: An Orchestral Rendition’.
This powerful performance will celebrate not only the 5th birthday of the NIA but also the music and messages of this formidable performer, along with her unique relationship with the local communities of Hulme and Moss Side.
In homage to Nina Simone opening and performing at the theatre back in 1991, the show will feature rare audio recordings of her performance interspersed with poetry and testimonies from local residents lucky enough to attend this iconic show.
Bringing the sound of one of the world’s most revered jazz singers’ to Hulme will be the awe-inspiring talents of Ellen Beth Abdi, Yemi Bolatiwa, Nicole Battick and Bee Rosebud. These exciting homegrown female performers will be joined on the NIA’s hallowed stage by a 25 piece orchestra, taking music lovers on an immersive and authentic journey through Nina’s life. This newly formatted performance will include chart-toppers such as ‘Sinnerman’, ‘Feeling Good’ and ‘I Put a Spell on You’, in addition to some of Nina’s lesser-known but still iconic tracks.
Following on from the Untold Orchestra’s sell-out show ‘Four Women’, ‘Nina @ the NIA: An Orchestral Rendition’ will further explore Nina’s music and the underlying themes such as tackling racial injustice and fighting for gender equality. Expect tears, joy, laughter, and lots of singing along in this unique compilation of the music of one of the most iconic jazz performers ever to live.
The underlying themes in Simone’s music are symbolic of the Untold Orchestra’s own vision for a fairer and more inclusive future. International Women’s Day saw the debut of a new soul, blues and R&B community choir, known as the NIA Choir. Ran by two incredible musicians, Sylvia Tella and Nicole Battick, the NIA Choir is a women’s (trans and NB inclusive) choir representing the residents of Hulme, Moss Side and surrounding areas. The vision is for the choir to become a regular project, included in any future performances and recordings with the Untold Orchestra.
Sam Davies of the Untold Orchestra said:
“We’re so excited to debut this brand new tribute show to celebrate the NIA’s 5th birthday. It’s an iconic venue steeped in Manchester history, and to be able to give our guests the opportunity to hear unheard audio footage of Nina Simone is incredible and a real one-off.
We have the support of so many inspirational musicians and ambassadors who are all willing to dedicate their time to put together exceptional community-focused events and performances. We will be pushing these as much as possible this year with some exciting projects already in the pipeline.”
Further cementing the Untold Orchestra’s growing popularity, globally renowned digital artist Stan Chow has produced striking limited edition posters and other bespoke marketing assets for ‘Nina @ the NIA: An Orchestral Rendition’. As a staunch ambassador, he continues to support the Untold Orchestra for each community-focused show.
By request, members of the Untold Orchestra recently appeared on Craig Charles’s renowned Funk & Soul show to discuss everything orchestra, and importantly their vision of opening up the experience to every person in Manchester.
Underpinning this message, heavily discounted tickets are available to local residents for the upcoming ‘Nina @ the NIA: An Orchestral Rendition’, with full-priced tickets available from just £11.
Boasting unheard footage of Nina Simone herself performing at Manchester’s oldest theatre, complemented by some of the country’s most talented performers, ‘Nina @ the NIA: An Orchestral Rendition’ promises to be a spectacular way to spend your Saturday night.
To book tickets for ‘Nina @ the NIA: An Orchestral Rendition’, please visit:
