Connecting through song

“For me the difference that this project has made to my life is profound. You can feel the magic as you walk into the room. It’s like a pocket-sized power battery of songs and rhythms from around the world. Different languages, different cultures – its electric. The world meeting in Cardiff. The world coming closer.”

The Oasis One World Choir (OOWC) aims to connect people seeking sanctuary in Cardiff through song, movement and conversation with the wider community.

The OOWC has provided a lifeline for a diverse group of refugees and asylum seekers representing over 30 nationalities, many of whom are faced with restarting their lives in a new country and language.

OOWC received funding towards their Sanctuary Voices and Grooves project that was inspired by requests from sanctuary seekers at Oasis who wanted to be part of OOWC but could not as they had other activities/commitments.

Tracy Pallant, Project Manager of Oasis One World Choir said:

“The funding from the Nation of Sanctuary Croeso Fund supported us to increase opportunities for more people to take part in our singing, songwriting, dance and movement workshops.
The language of music transcends the barriers faced by refugees and asylum seekers, and the choir allows them to make new friends and build a community together.

Being able to run an introductory course for choir members to lead harmony songs has been an incredible opportunity as many choir members have fantastic voices and ideas and are interested in developing further to become community musicians and singing leaders.”