‘Sounds Like Home’ International women’s choir needs your help! After two years of weekly sessions, we have been unable to secure funding to keep us going.

‘Sounds Like Home’ is an open-access international women's choir, celebrating Hackney's diverse voices through the personal and political resonance of song. It invites women of all backgrounds, ages and abilities to share songs from the places they’ve called home. Together we explore the origin, language and context of the music that has shaped who we are and where we’re from. We exchange stories, lyrics and melodies, and sing our way around the world.

The group has been meeting weekly since January 2024 and is made up of 35 regular members from over 10 different countries. Many are profoundly impacted by the cost of living crisis, the hostile environment, NRPF, cuts to the welfare state, loneliness and isolation. Exclusion from cultural and working life is widespread as a result of disability, health and migration status.

The choir has become a social and creative home for many, with fierce friendships forming across differences, and an embodied solidarity expressed through song.

Sessions are free of charge, and travel expenses are covered for those who need them. A light breakfast is also provided. As a result, the project relies on funding, which is becoming increasingly competitive and difficult to secure. We have been unsuccessful in the last 3 bids we’ve gone for, and are therefore unable to continue rehearsals into the new year.

Cost breakdown per session:

£200 participant travel expenses

£50 room hire fee

£10 light breakfast

£180 Choir leader and project manager

£120 Choir assistant and pastoral support

The group meets weekly at Hoxton Hall and is led by Ellen Muriel, with support from Asha Wilson and Molly Mckenna. The choir have performed at Museum of the Home, Hoxton Hall, the Migration Museum, St Margaret's House, Centre 151, Frampton Park Baptist Church, Cecil Sharp House and Whitechapel Gallery. The project was originally commissioned by Counterpoints Arts and has been supported by Old Street Community Pot, Hackney Council and Arts Council England.

Please get in touch with any longer-term ideas of support, we are determined to keep the project alive and thriving!