Singers, instrumentalists and poets share their responses to the theme of Compassion – and give you a chance to join in the singing.

‘Singing Our Lives’, now in its seventh year, is produced by Together Productions and brings displaced people, sanctuary seekers and local communities from around the UK to compose new music and perform together.

The project unites amateur singers and performers, professional musicians and writers from around the world in a unique coming together of cultures, disciplines and traditions.

This performance marks the finale of ‘Refugee Week’, and culminates in a thrilling mass performance of a ‘Singing Our Lives’ original composition.

Together Productions is a social change organisation based in the UK, producing innovative collaborative projects that connect people across social and cultural divides. Through their programmes, music and the arts become a catalyst to break down barriers, reduce isolation and enhance well-being. Together Productions’ work includes those who are marginalised or excluded – such as displaced people and those seeking sanctuary – people facing mental health challenges, the elderly, the financially disadvantaged and socially excluded.

Performing groups:

The Sing for Freedom Choir is a community of torture survivors and friends who sing together in a spirit of joy and hope, in solidarity with all those who are oppressed. The choir sings for freedom and to give back a voice to those who have been silenced.

The Mixed Up Chorus is passionate about the power of music to bring people together in the spirit of empathy and understanding. Performing global and original new repertoire, the Chorus believes that singing next to each other helps us to live well next to each other.

Write to Life are the world’s only long-running creative writing group for survivors of torture and have been working with survivors from around the world for over 20 years.

The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians are a collective of professional singers and instrumentalists who have settled in the UK after being forced to flee the war in their homeland. Their haunting and uplifting music celebrates the rich cultural traditions of Syria.

Event presented in collaboration with Southbank Centre, for Refugee Week 2023. Singing Our Lives is supported by IOM.