A rare opportunity to hear the incredible Citizen’s of the World choir, the UK’s leading refugee choir, in an intimate setting. Tonight’s programme draws on traditional, classical and contemporary arrangements and will include Zulu, Turkish and Ukrainian folk songs, singing accompanied by piano, violin and saz, and expect poetry and participation. Since the launch of Listen to the World in June 2021, it has been a joy to host various singers and performers from the choir to the Listen to the World stage at St Ethelburga’s Centre. Bringing the whole choir to the stage promises to be an unmissable event!
‘Citizens of the World Choir’ is a professional organisation and musical family that celebrates the artistry, heritage and humanity of people seeking sanctuary, and their friends and supporters. The Choir promotes understanding, dignity and kindness through the transformative impact of music and song.
Please note this event is on Thursday, 6 July, rather than our usual Tuesday.
‘In 2017, after the closure of the Calais Jungle, Lord Roger Roberts of Llandudno dreamt of a project that would open its arms to the refugee community in the UK. As a proud Welshman, he knew it had to be a choir.
Musical Director Becky Dell, composer Tom Donald and the team didn’t need asking twice. Citizens of the World choir was born and we haven’t looked back: our choir is now 50 members strong, representing nearly 28+ different nationalities. Our mission has integration at its heart and our community evenly embraces those who have had the refugee experience and those who have not, who we call our “ally” members.
Our music and our story highlight the resilience of the human spirit. We have a fresh, extensive and unique repertoire celebrating the rich ethnic and cultural diversity that finds a home in our choir: from Indian ragas, American spirituals and protest songs from across the ages, to folk music in English, Xhosa, Zulu, Kurdish, Welsh and so much more. We specialise in making sure every piece of music we bring to our audiences is a bespoke creation, so we can safely say that you won’t hear anything like us anywhere else…’
‘Listen to the World’ is a place of live music where the traditions and talents of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers find a home among local artists. Come and join us, as either a listener or performer, everyone is welcome.
A playlist of shorts and other recordings from the Listen to the World programme can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@StEthelburgasLondon
A showreel of previous events in 2021 is here: Listen to the World Open Mic – Showreel 2021 – YouTube
Co-ordinator: For all questions about Listen to the World or to be added to the mailing list, please contact Jo Winsloe Slater at jo.winsloe@stethelburgas.org.