One World Orchestra

The Brighton Festival 2026 begins its run on Friday, 1st May, with the One World Orchestra taking the stage at the Brighton Dome. This ensemble, established in 2023, consists of 18 musicians from 16 different countries, including the UK, Colombia, India, Kenya, and Ukraine. They are set to perform in the Studio Theatre on Church Street, presenting a programme that explores how diverse cultural backgrounds can intersect through sound. As the opening event for the festival, it sets a tone focused on international collaboration and the idea that musical differences can be a vital force for strengthening communities.

The evening is structured into two distinct segments. The first part features a live concert where the orchestra integrates traditional, ancient instruments with modern beats. The repertoire is varied, seeing salsa montunos meet English folk and Arabic maqams, while also incorporating elements of UK Grime and African harmonies. After the main performance, the group will be joined by DJ and producer Max Wheeler for a collaborative set. The experience is meant to be interactive, as the musicians encourage the audience to participate by singing, dancing, and drumming, effectively treating the crowd as an extension of the band throughout the night.

In terms of the practical details, the event starts at 20:30 and is expected to wrap up around 23:45. Tickets are available at a few different price points: Visit Brighton lists a standard price of £24.02, while other sources mention a £22 general admission fee. For those under 30, there is a reduced ticket price of £15. The Studio Theatre is located at the Brighton Dome (BN1 1UE), making it easily accessible for locals and those already in the city centre for the festival's first night. It is a full evening of music that moves from a live concert setting into a more electronic-focused collaboration.