Voices to soar in unity for uplifting Refugee Festival Scotland performance

Voices from around the world who have made Scotland their home will be raised in celebration and unity at a special concert as part of Refugee Festival Scotland later this week.

Article Source: Refugee Festival Scotland
Last Updated: 19 June 2024 11:41

The Raising Voices concert on Saturday 22nd June at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall’s New Auditorium will be a landmark collaboration between Scottish Refugee Council, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) and three celebrated community choirs.

Capturing the festival’s spirit of bringing together people from different backgrounds in friendship and solidarity, the performance is one of the flagship events in this year’s Refugee Festival Scotland programme. It embodies the theme of this year’s festival, RISE, honouring the resilience of people who are rebuilding their lives in safety in Scotland.

Maryhill Integration Network’s Joyous Choir, the Harper African Voice choir and Ukrainian vocal choir Soloway, will each perform uplifting and moving songs from countries and cultures around the world, including Nigeria, Ukraine, South Africa and Italy.

Open to audience members of all ages, the performance will be presented by celebrated poet, co-founder of Seeds of Thought arts group and UNESCO artist-in-residence at the University of Glasgow, Tawona Sitholé. The music will be conducted and arranged by Jon Hargreaves whose impressive creative portfolio encompasses artistic directorships, conducting, executive producing, and composing and arranging for a host of orchestras and solo artists.

A teacher at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Jon has had arrangements played at the likes of the BBC Proms and Celtic Connections, and will now apply his expertise to this special Raising Voices performance.

Saturday’s concert will open with the incredible sound of the Joyous Choir. Since its inception in 2013, this musical group has been using singing to support social inclusion and improve wellbeing in a welcoming and creative space. The choir welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds, including people seeking asylum and refuge in Glasgow alongside those born and raised in the city. The group shares songs from different cultures, and explores themes such as friendship, protest, sisterhood, dreams, freedom and hope.

Next to take to the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall stage will be Harper African Voice, a Christian worship choir based in Glasgow’s Harper Memorial Baptist Church. The 19-person strong choir was set up over two years ago with the aim to promote integration and grow cross-cultural relationships. The group includes people from various walks of life including asylum seekers and international students, spanning an incredible 35 nations.

The Solo Way choir will round off the afternoon’s entertainment. The group was founded in November 2022, when Bozhena Yakymenko gathered a group of Ukrainian women who had recently arrived in Glasgow to sing Christmas carols. The choir has grown steadily since and their aim is to encourage everyone to share in a message of solidarity.

Refugee Festival Scotland Manager, Mónica Laiseca said: “It is a sincere joy to be teaming up with the RSNO and diverse choirs from across Glasgow for this special event as part of Refugee Festival Scotland 2024. The concert is all about celebrating communities through song and we are delighted to be able to showcase the music of different cultures and nations as part of one completely unique performance. We would encourage families and music fans alike to join us this weekend for what is an empowering message of welcome and a celebration of Scotland as a place where everyone can thrive and come together in a hopeful and inspiring way.”

RSNO Director of Engagement Andy Stevenson said: “It’s a real privilege to return to the Scottish Refugee Festival to perform with these amazing choirs and artists. We strive to engage with the people of Scotland in every possible way and working with New Scots to invest in our shared culture is an honour. Music reaches beyond geographical and language barriers in a unique way and I can’t wait to join everyone at the Raising Voices event for an afternoon of celebrating our connections.”

Refugee Festival Scotland is produced by Scottish Refugee Council. Its largest and most diverse programme to date, which runs until Sunday 23rd June, provides an important platform to share the stories of people and communities who have settled in Scotland.

Raising Voices takes place at Glasgow Royal’ Concert Hall’s New Auditorium at 3pm on Saturday 22nd June. For more information and tickets visit www.refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Glasgow Film Festival supports 50 next generation filmmakers across three star studded talent labs

Lab mentors and partners include Oscar-winning and nominated directors, leading animation studios, and executives from Netflix, BFI, Aardman, and Curzon.

Caledonia Gladiators launches most exclusive seat in Scottish sport in aid of GCH Charity

Scotland's basketball franchise Caledonia Gladiators has launched a unique new VIP experience – thought to be the most exclusive sporting seat in the country – in aid of charity.

Shipbuilding heritage, tall tales & Scottish cuisine make a tasty tune

Since launching in 2019, the Shipyard Bards, Tall Tales and Dinner events held at Glasgow's Mharsanta restaurant have repeatedly sold out.

Dr. Gillian Shirreffs Book Signing for Elephant at Waterstones Byres Road

Gillian Shirreffs has raised over £30,000 for charity through her writing, and she'll be signing copies of Elephant on Saturday 13th December at Waterstones Byres Road.

Silverburn unwraps a festive December of entertainment

Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, has unveiled a packed diary full of events this December, as guests get ready for Christmas.

Celtic Connections brought surprise morning gigs to coffee shops across Glasgow at the weekend

Celtic Connections surprised Saturday morning coffee goers with live pop-up gigs across Glasgow, bringing emerging artists into unexpected spaces.

Panto Pays: festive theatre season delivers economic boost

As part of Glasgow 850's Get You In Panto Town celebration, new figures reveal the significant economic contribution of Glasgow's beloved pantomime season to the city's economy.

Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza

If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!

The oldest bar and restaurant in Glasgow unveils spectacular makeover

Sloans, has unveiled a spectacular festive transformation following a £300,000 investment that has reinvented the 228-year-old venue inside and out.

Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue

There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.

Is Glasgow Green Santa the coolest in the UK

Some visitors reckon that Santa's cousin who is currently in residence at Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green is the coolest of Santas.

Toys the season to be Jolly! Kids in Glasgow can win the entire DreamToys list this Christmas

Children in Glasgow are in for a festive treat this year, as a number of local retailers have announced they will be giving away all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.

Trust calls for the home of Scottish football to be saved from an own goal

National Trust for Scotland has added its voice to those seeking assurances about the preservation of the first ever Hampden Park in Glasgow.

Cocktails and Champagne at new Luss Distillery

The newly opened Luss Distillery has announced its first events ahead of the festive season.

Glasgow shoppers slow down for a calmer Black Friday at The Social Hub

Glasgow shoppers embraced “slow shopping” as The Social Hub hosted its Rethink Black Friday market, offering a calm alternative that spotlighted local makers.

Tis the season: Meet Home Alone inspired characters at Glasgow Fort

Christmas is in full swing at Glasgow Fort, with festive character visits, the Christmas market and family activities now underway to help get shoppers of all ages into the festive spirit.

Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025

Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.

First Scottish KENJI store now open at Silverburn

East Asian-inspired lifestyle brand KENJI has opened the doors to its first Scottish store as it joins the impressive brand lineup at Silverburn.

Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.

Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life

Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.

Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas

Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.

Breakout Scots star urges young people to discover new artists IRL at Celtic Connections coffee pop ups

Katie Gregson-MacLeod is urging young Glaswegians to discover new music IRL as Celtic Connections brings free pop-up gigs to Patricia's x SLB, Through The House and Black Pine this Saturday.

Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!

A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!

Calum Bowie gives Barrowland call up to 2 rising stars for landmark 5th December show

Calum Bowie has invited two fresh local talents to support him at his upcoming landmark show in December at The Barrowlands!

Partick Film Festival returns in January with special anniversary screening of Rob Roy

Partick Film Festival returns in January with a range of events including a special 30th anniversary screening of Rob Roy, followed by a Q&A with the director Michael Caton-Jones.

Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience

This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!

Beatson Cancer Charity Ambassadog Baxter leads the way at Santa Dash 2025

Beatson Cancer Charity is thrilled to announce that our Ambassadog, Baxter, will be taking part in this year's Santa Dash on Sunday 7th December!

Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year

Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.

Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.

From The Gannet to Eleven Fifty Five: Peter McKenna announces new Argyle Street restaurant

Peter McKenna, chef-owner of The Gannet in Glasgow, along with Kevin Dow, are set to open a new restaurant, Eleven Fifty Five, in its place in Finnieston early next year.

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro

Voices to soar in unity for uplifting Refugee Festival Scotland performance

Voices from around the world who have made Scotland their home will be raised in celebration and unity at a special concert as part of Refugee Festival Scotland later this week.

Sponsored Links

Latest Glasgow News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings