Find out more: Voyages of the Heart

We are thrilled to be broadcasting the world premiere of Voyages of the Heart on Friday 23 April! Find out more about this exciting event, and the talented musicians taking part…

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What is Voyages of the Heart?

Voyages of the Heart is a new piece by renowned composer, producer, cellist and kora virtuoso Tunde Jegede, whose work has changed the face of classical and contemporary music in Europe and Africa. His work is described as a ‘unique synthesis of classical, jazz and traditional music’, and this piece is no exception. The pianist for Voyages of the Heart, Jonathan Fashole-Luke describes how this project involves ‘different disciplines coming together, there are textures of instruments you wouldn’t normally hear together’. This piece features 32 songs, and encompasses vast ranges of musical disciplines, including Indian classical, Irish Gaelic and Reggae.

Watch the BBC South Feature

It is inspired by the stories of Southampton’s refugee and migrant communities, and was commissioned by Turner Sims Southampton and its project partner Southampton City Council, supported by Arts Council England and the University of Southampton as part of the Mayflower 400 programme.

Images by Rachel Adams

What is Mayflower400?

Southampton will be the first city to approach a Mayflower anniversary through the lens of migration. The Mayflower is one of many migrant ships that have left from or arrived in Southampton during the past seven centuries; as a result 148 languages are currently spoken in the city. We see the anniversary as an opportunity to reveal this rich and diverse history, and to encourage communities to tell their stories, many of which will have previously been hidden. Find out more about the Mayflower 400 Programme in Southampton.

Images by Rachel Adams

Meet the musicians

This performance features an extraordinary ensemble of diverse musicians, many of whom with roots in Southampton (including University of Southampton alumni). In an interview with Ram Kalyan Kelly (listen from 22 minutes) on Unity 101 Community Radio, several of the musicians discussed their careers so far. Lewis Wood plays the Irish folk violin and explained how he enjoys playing traditional folk music from all over the world, while soul singer Shannon Baker cites her influences; ‘really strong, powerful singers’ such as Lauryn Hill, Mary J. Blige, and Aretha Franklin. Pooja Angra also discusses how music enables people to connect across different cultures. Project manager Sal Chitulu describes this performance as a real team effort: ‘the energy, the attitude and the vibe were really, really positive, but in terms of putting things together, that is down to the creative genius and direction of the composer, Tunde Jegede’.

Images by Rachel Adams

Tickets to view this broadcast are available to purchase until 7pm, Monday 3 May
This event is available for you to enjoy until 10pm, Monday 3 May

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This project is commissioned by Turner Sims Southampton and its project partner Southampton City Council, supported by Arts Council England and the University of Southampton.

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