Jordan Rakei Realizes Lifelong Dream with Royal Northern Sinfonia
- The Gateshead Proms festival featured an impressive lineup, showcasing a range from Star Wars to Sibelius.
- Jordan Rakei's electro soul performance stood out as one of the major highlights of the event.
- The festival celebrated diverse musical styles, attracting a variety of attendees.
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jordan Rakei, 32, fulfilled a lifelong ambition by performing with the Royal Northern Sinfonia at the Proms Gateshead. Since he began experimenting with strings in his bedroom at age 12, collaborating with an orchestra has been a dream for Rakei. The event, themed "Fantasy, Myths and Legends," aimed to engage younger audiences, featuring popular music from franchises like Harry Potter and Star Wars, alongside the Voices of the River’s Edge choir. With tickets priced at just £8, the main hall was filled with an enthusiastic crowd, humorously described by presenter Ali Plumb as “gamers, wand-wavers and quidditch champions.” The Proms also maintained its classical roots, showcasing a variety of performances, including an opening concert featuring works by Taillferre, Sibelius, and Dvořák. The weekend offered a diverse lineup, from free live music curated by BBC Introducing to genre-blending performances by artists like Sara Mohr-Pietsch and Hannah Peel. Notable acts included Theon Cross, who redefined the tuba's role in music, and the Newcastle quintet Knats, who infused jazz with punk energy. Rakei, who moved to the UK nearly a decade ago, recently released his acclaimed album *The Loop* and is set for two nights at the Royal Albert Hall. His unique blend of contemplative electro-soul, reminiscent of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, resonated with the audience. As he acknowledged the presence of his family, Rakei expressed his gratitude, stating, “This is one of my bucket-list moments,” hinting at many more to come.