‘Listen to the World’ open mic nights are 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; British locals, as well as those who have settled here more recently.
‘Listen to the World’ Open Mic night is a live hybrid show where anyone in the audience, professional or first-timer can come and sing or play an instrument, online or in person (see more below).
‘So moving to be connected to people from all over the world through music, particularly because we’ve all been feeling so isolated.’
‘Hearing such a varied and rich musical line up felt like an opportunity and a balm – especially in these times’
‘What an absolutely beautiful evening. I was so tired I nearly didn’t come but I am so pleased I did. I had a number of wonderful conversations. Precious times. I really loved it all, and such a quality of work.’
Mehmet Avcu and Kadir Erturk hail from Turkey and are immersed in traditional Turkish music. Mehmet studied at the Turkish Conservatory for four years and is a violinist and vocalist; Kadir is a passionate performer of the bağlama or saz a long-necked lute. They have performed together in various venues in London and are both members of the Citizens of the World Choir.
Mandu A K, Stewart Fenwick and a special guest, Clive Bell will be performing traditional Hindustani music performed with bansuri and tabla. Mandu started learning the bansuri with Clive Bell at The Bhavan, London, in 2011. He previously performed at St Ethelburga’s in 2013 with Nihavend ensemble. Stewart Fenwick began learning tabla at Dartington College with Pandit Sharda Sahai and since 2000 has studied with Ustad Faiyaz Khan of the Delhi Gharana.
Ibrahim Fanous is a vocalist and kerar player, composer and music producer based in London. Born in Kassala, a state in eastern Sudan, Ibrahim began his vocal training at a young age in three different languages – Arabic, Tigrinya and Amharic. After successfully recording with the music ensemble, AfriCairo in Egypt, Ibrahim joined and performed with the acclaimed Nile Project in 2017, touring north Africa, US, Europe and the UK, including at the Barbican, London. In 2020 we were delighted to welcome Ibrahim as a performer ‘in residence’ for St Ethelburga’s music and poetry open mic programme. YouTube: Ibrahim Fanous
Alongside featured artists, members of the audience can sign up to perform too. You can respond to the theme of displacement, home or belonging or with whatever is on your heart. This is a fun, relaxing evening where anyone; professional or first-timer, can perform to an appreciative audience. Or you can simply come and listen. You sign up for an Open Mic slot when you book (online or in-person). There are 4-5 slots and each slot is for 3-5mins.
You can attend Listen to the World open mic online, or in person at St Ethelburga’s. Both featured artists will be performing from St Ethelburga’s, broadcasting live to guests online as well as to an in-person audience.
Attending on zoom, you will need:
If you are attending in person, we continue to operate in a COVID secure environment which includes the following conditions:
Co-ordinator: For all questions about the Open Mic event or to be added to the mailing list, please contact Jo Winsloe Slater at jo.winsloe@stethelburgas.org.
Featured Photo: Biram Seck and Thibault Remy performing at St Ethelburga’s October 2021, Listen to the World event.
Please ensure you view our Terms and Conditions and Refund Policy.