‘Listen to the World’ is a place of live music where the themes of home and belonging find expression through the traditions and talents of migrants, refugees and people seeking sanctuary alongside local artists.
More than a concert space, ‘Listen to the World’ brings people together across differences of all kinds – on stage and among the audience – for evenings that celebrate cultural diversity and create meaningful encounters in an atmosphere of inclusion and warmth.
Among our vocalists and musicians are performers whose musical roots travel from Nicaragua to Ukraine, Afghanistan to Sudan and everywhere in between. The intimacy of the nave allows for truly magical evenings as performers captivate audiences with their rhythms, their songs and stories, and their engagement with the audience during Q&As and their invitations to participate.
Our audiences are global and intergenerational; young people, adults and families with young children bring their curiosity and joy to the nave, sometimes seated, sometimes dancing – wherever the mood of the music carries them. Some come to experience the richness of London’s diverse music scene, others for the scent of home carried in mother tongues, or the musical traditions and instruments of the performers.
“This has reminded me that we are so much more than the horror that’s going on in my country at the moment”.
“It’s been meaningful to come at this time and experience my culture in a mainstream venue”.
“There is something about sitting in a place born out of such violence in a contemplative atmosphere, participating through sharing collectively music from all over the world – one can feel the restorative hand of humanity. The fact that it is music most often by diaspora communities feels uplifting and transformational”
Our most recent highlights
We are immensely grateful to our funders Arts Council England and Tides Foundation for this programme, and for the opportunity to make these events accessible to people who would not otherwise be able to attend.
