A UNIVERSITY music centre is pushing for more schools to get involved as the countdown to a new community performance closes in.

The University of Winchester Music Centre has joined forces with Winchester City of Sanctuary to create a musical ‘Space for Sanctuary’. The cross music and arts event, taking place on November 23 inside Winchester Cathedral, aims to celebrate diversity and unity by standing with those seeking sanctuary.

Contributions such as instrumental or choral music, words, poems, movement, dance, or visual arts from groups, clubs, schools and individuals have been encouraged to emphasise that all are welcome in Winchester.

The university’s creative director, Neil Valentine, said: “This event is about bringing all parts of our community together using music in the incredible Winchester Cathedral. Everyone is welcome to be with us, to make music, to celebrate our common humanity and share this incredible event.

“Everyone who attends as performers or audience will be immersed in a performance unlike anything else they have experienced. We will all be moved and amazed by eachothers music.”

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Ahead of the performance, the Music Centre has shared instructions and music for the day to those who have shown interest in taking part. Groups will come together from 2pm before the performance to the rest of the public at 5.30pm.

Neil added: “The one area of our communities which we are little light on representation for this event is schools. For those connected with primary or secondary schools please share this opportunity and encourage them to take part.”

The event will be split into four movements, including Space for Sanctuary where musicians will bring their own pre-pared pieces which embody their home and identity. Group performances during the 45-minute sanctuary movement will overlap as participants are encouraged to listen to others and begin singing when they feel appropriate.

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The acoustic of the cathedral will act as a ‘giant mixing bowl’ for the community of voices, while groups are challenged with contributing their music to the overall sound.

Chair of Winchester City of Sanctuary, Elizabeth Flint, said: "Each person that has come to the UK to seek safety and protection, or sanctuary, has their own story. We wanted to create an opportunity for people to share their stories and capture their journeys to sanctuary in an art form of their choice.

"Winchester has opened its arms to supporting refugees and people fleeing conflict and persecution. We can lead by example here in calling for sanctuary to be embedded in towns, cities, organisations, schools and in small acts we do every day."

Following the movements, the cathedral bells will ring at 7pm in a send off for participants to go on and tell their stories of sanctuary to others.

Admission is free and doors open at 5pm. For more go to winchester.cityofsanctuary.org/2022/07/06/space-for-sanctuary-a-community-music-and-cross-arts-event-in-winchester-cathedral-this-november-expressions-of-interest-now-open.

Winchester City of Sanctuary is a volunteer led community group working with people seeking sanctuary as part of a movement of welcome within the UK. For more go to winchester.cityofsanctuary.org/.