A special evening of music and reflection will take place at Reading Minster this April, bringing together performers and audiences in an act of “hope and solidarity.”
Sanctuary & Solidarity: a concert giving voice to hope featuring a powerful programme of choral music exploring themes of sanctuary, compassion and community.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to Reading’s Refugee Support Group.
The concert is led by the acclaimed SANSARA vocal collective, under the direction of Artistic Director Tom Herring.
The programme includes music by composers such as Caroline Shaw and Thomas Tallis, alongside contemporary works responding to conflict and displacement.
Joining SANSARA will be Reading’s Ukrainian choir Kryla, who will perform both independently and alongside the ensemble.
Together they will present A Quiet Night (Tyhoyi Nochi) by Natalia Tsupryk, a piece commissioned in response to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and since performed worldwide as a musical expression of solidarity.
The evening will also feature a guest performance from award-winning soprano Ruby Hughes, singing Peace on Earth by Errolyn Wallen.
In addition to the music, representatives from Reading’s Refugee Support Group will speak about their work supporting refugees and displaced people locally, offering insight into how communities can respond with compassion and practical help.
Audience members are also invited to take part in a “Come & Sing” opportunity ahead of the concert, joining SANSARA and Kryla to rehearse and perform A Quiet Night. All voice parts and experience levels are welcome.
The event reflects the ongoing commitment of churches across the Diocese of Oxford to serve their communities and stand alongside those in need, offering spaces of welcome, prayer and practical support.
Revd Amy Sykes, Priest and Curate at St Michael’s Tilehurst, said: “It is a privilege to listen to refugees who have endured so much, yet respond with extraordinary courage and grace. God’s mission is woven through these real life stories, and when we place ourselves alongside those on the margins, we find with joy that He is already there.
“At a time of international conflict, some people I listen to are understandably frightened. Everything can feel overwhelming and – at least for me – the temptation is to retreat into our own echo chambers and to ‘other’ those we disagree with.
“I feel like this concert is like a mini act of resistance – a refusal to let fear set the terms of our engagement. In a time of war, we will sing songs of peace. Instead of being divided, we will gather in our diversity, sharing beautiful music.
“Instead of silencing the voices in the margins, we will listen to stories of displacement. We are choosing compassion and curiosity over fear and rejection.
“My prayer is that together, we might encounter God’s redemptive presence and have our imaginations rekindled with hope. Come and join us-everyone is welcome.”
Sanctuary & Solidarity will be held on Saturday, April 25, from 6–8pm, at Reading Minster
