April 2024 - Urgent appeal for donations

The Choir has recently received the very unfortunate news that we were not successful in obtaining grant funding through Arts Council England toward our upcoming performance season. We currently stand with 40% funding towards running the Choir this summer, but without this project grant we are unable to deliver our planned performances as part of Refugee Week 2024, including the release of our newest single. Our Choir offers a safe space and vital support to our most vulnerable members during uncertain times, and the impact of our community is recognised both locally and internationally.

We are urgently seeking to raise £50,000 in order to deliver this project that spans over 20 weeks. Our running costs for each rehearsal amount to approximately £2,500, which covers:

- Rehearsal pianist at £110 per week

- Travel expenses for our refugee members at £300 per week

- Rehearsal room hire at £110 per week

- Office rent at £110 per week

- Paid placements for our displaced members, in the roles of Creative Assistant, Rehearsal Assistant, Outreach Officer and Social Media Assistant, amounting to £230 per week

- Rehearsal manager at £170 per week

- Pastoral care manager at £220 per week

- Assistant Musical Director at £450 per week

- Musical Director at £450

- Producer at £350 per week

Refugee Week is the most important time of the year for our community and where we offer the most contribution in the form of our performances. Please donate today in order to help us keep our Choir running at this most critical time; so we may continue to uplift and celebrate the voices of our community; and break down barriers and prejudice with the sound of our vibrant and joyful music.

Citizens of the World Choir is a Local Partner of forRefugees registered charity no. 1168435. All donations through this platform count as a charitable donation with the option to include GiftAid.

Please continue reading about our story below or visit our website to find out more about what we do.

Our Story

Citizens Of The World Choir is the UK's leading refugee choir: a musical family that celebrates the artistry, heritage and humanity of people seeing sanctuary, and their allies. We advocate for understanding, dignity and kindness through the transformative impact of music and song.

Founded in 2017 by Lord Roger Roberts, Musical Director Becky Dell and renowned composer Tom Donald, we offer access to brilliant musical training and keep our family together by providing pastoral care & support, data packages and devices to keep people connected, as well as covering travel costs and wherever we can, contributing to emergency food and medical costs.

With more than 50 members from nearly 30 nationalities, our music showcases the resilience of the human spirit. Performing is our most powerful tool to counter the hostile narratives around immigration and migrants: we use our voices to stand up for people seeking safety in the UK and to ensure people can live with dignity, rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities.

Now in its seventh year, the Choir has been featured in the New York Times and UK national press, on BBC TV and Radio, and performed at a string of high-profile venues including Shakespeare’s Globe, Houses of Parliament, Ronnie Scott’s and the Royal Opera House. In 2022 the Choir was among the featured performers at the Platinum Party at the Palace and Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage alongside Elbow.

Every penny of income is used to advance our mission of healing through music. Make your donation here to our partner forRefugees (charity number 1168435) and with your support, we can help even more refugee artists and creatives, provide top quality musical training and performance opportunities, and shore up our welcoming, inclusive musical community.

Citizens of the World Choir is a Local Partner of ForRefugees registered charity no. 1168435. Donations received as unrestricted funds.