SANSARA album launch

Image
SANSARA (c) Matthew Johnson

Founded by alumnus Tom Herring (Merton, 2013), SANSARA has released its new album in the midst, in which the choir joins forces with United Strings of Europe.

The programme is built around two musical pillars: Caroline Shaw's To the Hands, with its guiding question 'what are these wounds in the midst of our hands?', and The Journey by Houtaf Khoury. The disc explores the themes of forcible displacement from homes, perilous journeys, and the search for places of safety. Finding refuge depends on the kindness of others - individuals, communities and nations. But the longing for sanctuary is not always met with open arms. 

Through this music, and additional works by Hildur Guðnadóttir, Piers Connor Kennedy and Thomas Tallis, In the midst provides not only an offering of musical solidarity, but an invitation to reflect on our role in creating spaces of sanctuary.

You can attend a performance of music from the album at the Barbican's Milton Court on Saturday 14 December. SANSARA will be joined by United Strings of Europe as well as Syrian oud master Basel Saleh.

 

Listen to the album on your preferred platform

Join SANSARA's mailing list

Follow SANSARA on socials @SansaraChoir

 

Image credit Matthew Johnson

Montage of magazine articles

Magazine features

The Faculty of Music has been featured in the September 2026 issues of BBC Music Magazine and Music Teacher, showcasing the new facilities in the Schwarzman Centre and the Bate Collection of Instruments.
Logo

Remembering John Whenham

The Faculty of Music is sorry to learn of the passing of alumnus Professor John Whenham (New College, 1968). Following completion of his DPhil at Oxford, Professor Whenham went on to spend over 40 years at the University of Birmingham. The University of Birmingham has published an obituary celebrating his life and career.
Schwarzman Centre South

A selection of alumni news