The Calais Sessions project launches at the 'Jungle' refugee camp in Calais

A group of internationally renowned musicians have travelled to the “Jungle” refugee camp at Calais to record a series of tracks with refugees.

Lead by cellist Vanessa Lucas-Smith, 36, of the world famous Allegri Quartet, the group have made a series of pieces with refugees from the camp and release the resulting music as an series of tracks in aid of charity under the title of The Calais Sessions.

Kingston-upon-Thames born Lucas-Smith was moved to create The Calais Sessions after seeing coverage of refugees fleeing conflict zones. “We decided to bring top musicians to the camp, find musicians within the camp and get them to play their music to us and collaborate with them,” said Lucas-Smith. “We are creating a series of tracks based on the various cultures that exist within the camp. Their music is a microcosm of the world.”

The team, which includes Jamiroquai percussionist Sola Akingbola, worked inside the camp during one weekend in September and co-created tracks with refugees that were recorded to be realised on Bandcamp and iTunes for charity..

“We used a mobile recording studio to record the tracks for the Calais Sessions in,” added Lucas-Smith. “We have some amazing tracks we are now releasing on itunes under the Calais Sessions name. All monies generated go to specific aid organisations and charities working with refugees around the world.”

London based Sola Akingbola said: “The camp reminds me of places that I’ve seen in Lagos, Nigeria. We are trying to find musicians in of the camp who would like to engage with other musicians in the world so they don’t feel completely isolated.”

The group of eight diverse musicians who have travelled to Calais have been handpicked to create an ensemble that balances Western and Arabic instruments and styles. As well as Sola Akingbola they also include award-winning and critically acclaimed British composer Benjamin Ellin and Syrian musician and composer Louai Alhenawi.

Benjamin Ellin, 35, originally from Bolton, said: “The camp is extremely industrious and has great energy. I’ve been treated with more immediate friendship and kindness than I face on a daily basis in my own country.”

Louai Alhenawi, 39, from Walthamstow, London, says: “As a Syrian I am in touch with people trying to make it to Europe. It is moving what people are having to go through. We are here to listen to people and carry their voice. The refugees will write the lyrics so the message in the music is all theirs. These people have to be heard.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

PR liaison Kate Fairhurst +44 (0)7971 611486

Team Lead Vanessa Lucas-Smith +44 (0)7947 816133

ENDS