Whisper to Katrina

Led by acclaimed jazz pianist Trevor Watkis, Whisper to Katrina was a newly-commissioned soundscape to commemorate the 10 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina – the costliest natural disaster in US history.

Drawing on the history of New Orleans Jazz – from the African rhythms and spirituals of Congo Square, through to the contemporary sounds of Terence Blanchard, and the Funk and R&B sounds of the Neville Brothers and The Meters – the piece was developed in collaboration with 12 young London-based musicians, as well as artists including Eska, Byron Wallen and Lekan Babalola.

Accompanying the music were a set of striking images of Katrina’s aftermath captured by documentary photographer Mary-Jane Maybury, as well as newly commissioned poetry by the spoken word artist Nick Makoha.

Spargo Productions provided production management for the one-off performance.