The Choir of London Bursary Scheme: Journeys
Last year, 15-year-old Gazan pianist Sara was unable to take up her place on the Choir of London’s Bursary Scheme for young Palestinian musicians - a unique opportunity to travel to the UK for an immersive musical experience alongside British music students - as she was unable to leave Gaza due to the conflict raging there at the time.
This week, Sara has finally been able to travel from Gaza to London and has taken time out of her studies at Pro Corda in Suffolk to reflect on a journey that has been a year and a half in the making,
I would be hesitating if I used the word “trip” because it was, in fact, a journey. Going from one checkpoint to another, crossing borders all day, and eventually reaching the place you’ve always dreamed of is a very tiring, but worthy, experience to go through.
We Palestinians know what it is like to be an outcast, especially when you’re a musician living there - we tend to find ourselves in the music we play and we make music for the world to see who we really are.
Monday, 20 July 2015
Choir of London - blog
Each week during the Bursary Scheme, the four students are sharing their stories of this life-changing musical experience. You can follow them as they make the journey from their homes in the West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza to London by following our Facebook page or keeping an eye on this blog.
The students’ visit will culminate in a public showcase concert at the Mosaic Rooms, Earls Court, on 30th July - click here for more information. You can reserve a free place at this event by emailing rsvp@choiroflondon.org.
Sara: “last year I was in the middle of a war, and today I’m playing chamber music in the British countryside”
I never dreamed that I’d ever get the chance to take masterclasses at the Royal Academy of Music, nor be able to work with such great musicians at Pro Corda Chamber Orchestra. Thus, the fact that I’m here today in the UK doing that is amazing! Who would have believed that last year I was in the middle of a war, and today I’m playing chamber music in the countryside in Suffolk.
What happened last year made me want this even more. I believe that with this opportunity I will get the chance to rediscover myself, my abilities, and my peace of mind.
