Norwich Theatre is creating a new choir, Harmony Collective, to celebrate the power of music and voices from around the world. The choir is free of charge and open to refugees, asylum seekers and migrants of all ages. There is no need to register; sessions will be held in Norwich Theatre Stage Two.
The Harmony Collective is a singing group open to all, with a unifying focus on togetherness and welcome. This sanctuary choir is open to anyone who wants to find a creative home in Norwich and sing with others.
The choir is guided by Samia Malik, a Norwich singer, songwriter, artist and teacher. Samia writes, performs and produces bilingual Urdu and English songs. She has collaborated and toured nationally and internationally with acclaimed world-class musicians, writers and artists.
Samia will take the group through a mixture of scales, rhythms and music while celebrating voices from around the world.
Speaking about the Harmony Collective, Samia Malik said: “We envisioned a welcoming place for new arrivals, people who are seeking asylum, people who are more settled, and everyone in between because it shouldn’t be that we are separated. Doing something like this communally is a healing and powerful practice.”
The choir is a part of Norwich Theatre’s Theatre of Sanctuary commitment. Norwich Theatre was re-awarded Theatre of Sanctuary status earlier this year for its ongoing work within the local community. The theatre is one of just 34 arts organisations across the UK to be awarded sanctuary status.
Elspeth Hunter, Creative Engagement Project Manager at Norwich Theatre, said: “Embedding free opportunities for those seeking sanctuary within our creative programme is very important to us. We want Norwich Theatre to be a home for all – a place to enjoy a range of creative experiences.
“We hope that The Harmony Collective will offer a space to come together and form a community that shares global traditions and music.”
The Harmony Collective meet twice a month. For more information and dates of when the Harmony Collective get together, visit norwichtheatre.org or contact the Box Office on 01603 630 000 or in person.
