Nawroz is a celebrated Kurdish singer with powerful and evocative voice. As a teenager growing up in Iraqi Kurdistan, he was detained and held for singing songs critical of the government regine (then under Saddam Hussein) and was forced to flee. Nawroz spent the next nine years in exile in Iran, Turkey, Syria and Lebanon, before settling in the UK. His extraordinary voice brings to life folk songs from his homeland and elsewhere from his journey. He sings in English, Farsi and Arabic and is a member of the Citizens of the World Choir. You can read more about Nawroz’ music and his extraordinary journey to the UK here: https://www.politicshome.com/members/article/this-world-refugee-day-one-choirs-efforts-should-be-music-to-all-our-ears?s=08
Tom is a pioneering Australian-London-based pianist and composer whose improvisational skill has drawn comparisons to Keith Jarrett, especially noted after his London Jazz Festival appearance at Conway Hall. His groundbreaking performances, including a televised concert at the London Shard on Sky Arts and BBC Radio London, have cemented his place in the fusion of classical and jazz realms. Founder of the London Contemporary School of Piano, a world-class leader in music education innovation for pianists of all ages, Tom nurtures a global community of students through the London Contemporary School of Piano. His compositions, notably “Symphony of Voices” for UN Refugee Week and “Written in the Scrolls” aired on BBC Radio 3, have been recognized for weaving musical styles and ancient cultures in a modern setting.
His latest album “Pax Aeterna” promises another innovative chapter, blending Gregorian chants with jazz piano in collaboration with Pluscarden Abbey’s monks. This latest endeavor encapsulates Tom’s commitment to merging historical depth with contemporary expression, further enriching the tapestry of modern music.
Nawroz and Tom have been performing together for a number of years and the warmth of this collaboration is present in their performance.
Photo credit: Rachel Otterway (Nawroz).
We are delighted to collaborate on this event with Tom Donald of the London Contemporary School of Piano.
The livestream link to the event will be sent to ticket holders a few hours before the performance.
‘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 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.