We are thrilled to share the culmination of our most recent initiative for The Lullaby Project. This initiative empowers parents who are navigating challenging circumstances, including those with experience of the criminal justice system and individuals seeking asylum and refuge.

Over February and March, we had the privilege of working in Earley (near Reading) with a group of refugees and asylum seekers. Together with our team from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Irene Taylor Trust, they embarked on a deeply personal and creative journey to write lullabies and songs for their loved ones – sons, daughters, siblings, nieces, and mothers.

Our time spent with the eight storytellers in Earley was memorable and impactful. Each of their songs is unique, beautiful, and profoundly captures the essence of the people who they had chosen to write their songs for. The creative process began with dedicated writing sessions. During these gatherings, team members from the RPO and ITT engaged in one-on-one conversations with the participants. They shared stories of cherished memories, personal nicknames, and descriptions of their loved ones’ personalities and looks. These narratives then blossomed into lyrics through a collaborative exchange between the musicians and the storytellers, with participants even contributing musical ideas, such as a favourite genre or a favourite song they already share with their loved one.

A month later we reconvened after Nick Hayes, our talented composer, had skilfully woven the lyrics and musical ideas into full songs for a chamber ensemble (violin, cello, trumpet, French horn, percussion, and singer). Over two days, the storytellers were invited to hear their pieces come to life and actively participate in the recording process. Some chose to introduce their songs in their own words and languages, ensuring their voice would be the first their loved one hears, while others lent their voices to the recordings themselves. Following these sessions, we celebrated the culmination of this work with a performance of all eight songs for the local community, warmly hosted by St Nicolas Church in Earley, where much of the project took place.

The journey of these lullabies extended even further with one of the pieces being subsequently orchestrated for the full Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and performed as part of an evening concert at The Hexagon in Reading. It was an incredible experience to hear this deeply personal song transformed into a powerful orchestral work, enjoyed by an audience of nearly 900 people, including all the participants who had taken part in the project.

The profound impact of this project is best expressed in the heartfelt words of our storytellers:

• “My lullaby represents comfort, love, and deep emotions I want to express. It carries my feelings and memories, making it very special to me.”
• “When I listened to the music with the band, I feel like I am with my brother.”
• “Actually, it's the first time I've heard music from real instruments. I learned how music can be a message to my kids that live so far away.”
• “I can feel my feelings have been expressed by the musical instruments. Hearing them play together creates a message of love.”
• “I believe that there is nothing impossible. I never dreamed that I'd be part of creating a song.”
• "This was truly meaningful and wonderful. I'm grateful and happy to be part of this programme and meet such kind people.”
• “I found kindness, warmth and meaningful human connections.”
• “[The lullaby started] from brainstorming and then converted a poem to a musical masterpiece. So, it's amazing to see that happen - it's like magic.”

Listen to the recordings from the project here.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Ahmed, Ali, Bereket, Hamza, Kamal, Mikiele, Shamshad, and Zemelak for their generous participation and for sharing their personal stories. We also wish to acknowledge the vital support of local organisations Care4Calais and Resettlement, whose invaluable involvement was crucial in bringing this meaningful project to fruition.

Written by Hannah Foakes
Lead Producer, Community and Education