Newcastle Cathedral is hosting a remarkable evening of original songs, featuring music composed and performed by individuals who have sought sanctuary in the North East. Taking place in the city centre landmark at 7-8pm on Thursday 16 November, ‘Stories of Sanctuary’ draws inspiration from the region’s rich history of providing sanctuary to those in need. This latest performance, featuring singers from choirs formed in previous cities, is presented in collaboration with Citizen Songwriters and The Arts Society Tyneside.
Admission to the event is open to all on a ‘Give as You Feel’ basis, with a recommended donation of £12. All proceeds from this event will support community songwriting workshops at Newcastle Cathedral. Click here to book a place.
About Stories of Sanctuary
Originating in Durham in 2018, Stories of Sanctuary has blossomed into a remarkable musical journey, having graced stages across the country over 15 times, from Sunderland to Southampton. The songs at the event transcend centuries, connecting the refuge sought by exiled monastic communities fleeing the Vikings with contemporary stories of individuals who escaped the Syrian civil war.
Beyond its musical achievements, this remarkable project has fostered profound songs and enduring friendships that span across the region and beyond.
At the core of ‘Stories of Sanctuary’ is the Sanctuary Seekers Choir, featuring the exceptional talent of Raghad Haddad from the National Syrian Orchestra. The project made its debut at Durham Cathedral in October 2018 and has since embarked on a tour of venues nationwide, enchanting audiences in Sheffield, Hull, Leicester and Birmingham.
Most recently, as a lively finale to Sunderland’s Refugee Week in 2022, a performance was delivered by a newly formed community scratch choir, comprising Sunderland residents, including recently arrived refugees.
Newcastle Cathedral Lantern Initiative
The Newcastle show aims to generate proceeds to establish a similar community scratch choir. These workshops will be facilitated by the Cathedral’s Lantern Initiative, which draws inspiration from the building’s iconic tower – a guiding light for ships in the Middle Ages – providing a beacon of hope for individuals navigating challenging times.
Stories of Sanctuary is a testament to the power of music to bridge cultures and create a sense of belonging. This November we will be celebrating 5 years since establishing the first Stories of Sanctuary project that met in Durham. Since then, we’ve worked with over 40 participants and performed to over 1500 people and we look forward to the next chapter.
Sam Slatcher, Songs of Sanctuary Curator and singer-songwriter
The Arts Society promotes the arts in the widest sense and we feel that this project provides an excellent opportunity to bring together the work of Sam Slatcher and the Cathedral in helping anyone seeking sanctuary to share their experiences through music and song and by doing so to build friendships, confidence and a sense of community
Jane Young, The Arts Society Tyneside
One of the Cathedral’s values, ‘Radical Welcome’, encourages us to reach out to those who are not here and to make meaningful relationships and partnerships in our wider city. The Lantern Initiative walks in solidarity with those individuals and groups that have been judged or oppressed by wider society.
Revd Peter Dobson, Canon for Outreach and Discipleship, Newcastle Cathedral