Throughout November and December, Wigmore Hall Learning has been leading weekly online music workshops in partnership with Solace Women’s Aid, an organisation which supports women and children who have experienced domestic abuse.

Together with workshop leaders Georgia Duncan and Rosie Bergonzi, families explored different worlds – including the sea and outer space! – and co-created lyrics and songs together. Participants also had chance to listen to live handpan playing by Rosie and sing together with Georgia.

The online project will conclude with a celebration of all the songs they have created together. We are looking forward to re-connecting with the refuge next year, whether online or safely in person.

“I am happy today because we can meet. I am sad we can't see each other every week” Participating child

“Singing makes me feel emotional and happy, especially when singing for my baby” Participating parent

“I do love this so much. After such a busy day, you can have an hour together in a different environment. It's just so brilliant” Solace Women’s Aid staff member

“I’ll never forget this” Participating parent

“It has been an absolute delight leading workshops online for the refuge. Before the pandemic, we had only managed to run one workshop with the refuge before lockdown hit so to be able to make music and sing together with the women and children again online has been life-affirming. Thanks must go to the staff at Solace, and the women and children in the refuge for embracing online music making so enthusiastically.” Benjamin Redmayne, Programme Manager, Wigmore Hall Learning