Samuel Coleridge-Taylor 150
15th Aug - 31st Oct 2025 - Croydon
Join the celebration. Discover the history. Be part of the legacy.
You’re invited to join a season of celebratory performances, artworks, music and more to mark the 150th anniversary of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor – a globally renowned composer and conductor with Croydon roots.
Born in 1875, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor was the son of a West African doctor and an English mother. At an early age, he was gifted a small violin and went on to study at the Royal College of Music. His groundbreaking compositions blended African American spirituals with traditional classical music, and Coleridge-Taylor gained recognition in America for his most notable work, Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast. Although his life was tragically short, it was one of outstanding achievement. Read more about the life and legacy of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor here.
Discover the programme below, with even more events coming soon.
On Street Art and Hoardings Exhibition
August – October
Follow a trail of street banners featuring brand new artworks by inspired by the life and legacy of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, by nine Global Majority artists. Plus, visit the hoardings on Croydon High Street to discover Coleridge-Taylor’s remarkable story.
High Street & North End, Croydon
Croydon Gladi Gladi:
A weekend of music celebrating Samuel Coleridge-Taylor 150
Sat 16 & Sun 17 August
To mark Coleridge-Taylor’s birthday weekend, a pop-up Victorian bandstand on Croydon High Street will present a feast of music performances -from gospel choirs to string quartets, and African drumming to a steel pan orchestra!
The BRIT School Takeover
Sat 18 October
The immensely talented students of BRIT School are delving into the archives, to create new work inspired by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. Their performances will include dance, music, drama and more, taking over Croydon Clocktower.
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor 150: The Anniversary Concert
Sun 19 October
This evening concert at Fairfield Halls features powerful performances from the London Mozart Players, new music from Tunde Jegede and violinist Braimah Kanneh-Mason.
The Sound of Croydon: Celebrating Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Saturday 18 October – Saturday 31 January
A brand new, interactive exhibition at the Museum of Croydon will bring to life Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s extraordinary story and legacy – from his early years playing the violin, to his studies at the Royal College of Music, and his tragically early death, aged just 37.
Les Grooms – Outdoor Performance
Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 October
Playful and lively performances from an unusual brass band! Expect singing, dancing, music-making and poetry in the most unexpected places.
Finesse Foreva presents Legacy, Music & Ownership
Tuesday 25 November
Featuring music industry leaders and tech-innovators, Finesse Foreva present an evening exploring empowerment, education and excellence in Black British music, with headline performances from Scarz, Vienna, and Amethyst.
The Sound of Croydon: Celebrating Samuel Coleridge-Taylor is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to present this exhibition at the Museum of Croydon, and produce education resources for schools.
