New exhibition celebrates Croydon’s rich musical heritage

Croydon, a borough known for its vibrant cultural scene, has unveiled a captivating exhibition, Rewind: This Is Croydon’s Music, shedding light on its rich musical history.
The exhibition, which opened on February 9th 2024 at Croydon Clocktower, is part of the Mayor of London’s London Borough of Culture initiative, continuing the celebration of the borough’s unique musical diversity and its profound impact on the global music landscape.

As highlighted in the exhibition, Croydon’s musical legacy spans generations and genres, from the classical compositions of Samuel Coleridge Taylor to the rebellious punk ethos embodied by Captain Sensible, as well as the melodic tunes of Kirsty MacColl to the gritty beats of Nadia Rose.

The exhibition, held at the Museum of Croydon, takes visitors on a journey through time, accounting Croydon’s musical heritage through a collection of objects, photos, and anecdotes drawn from the local music community.

Punk, Dubstep, Grime, and Drill are all distinct genres that have sprung from Croydon’s streets, with renowned performers like Skream, Benga, and Captain Sensible among them. The exhibition aims to highlight various themes surrounding the borough’s musical prowess, including pivotal music moments, the evolution of music venues, the influence of record stores on the high street, and the contributions of local music makers and creatives.

Accompanying the exhibition are a series of events held at the Museum of Croydon and across the borough. This spectacular series of events features creative commissions, music industry workshops led by organizations like the BRIT School, and a concert showcasing the borough’s next generation of talent through Croydon Young Composers.

Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, expressed her enthusiasm for the exhibition, stating:

“Croydon has produced some of the world’s best music talent, and this new exhibition will celebrate its stars. It showcases Croydon’s place in history and is a great example of how the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture uses the power of creativity to bring people together.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of Rewind: This Is Croydon’s Music in recognizing and celebrating Croydon’s contribution to the global music scene.

“Rewind: This Is Croydon’s Music is a chance for us all to learn and celebrate Croydon’s contribution to UK and international music creativity. Croydon is a place of ingenuity where new genres come to life – in our venues and in our communities – and long may it continue.”

For more information on the exhibition and accompanying events, visit www.culturecroydon.com.

 

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