MIGRANTS’ SONG CYCLE – from Anglo-Brazilian Duo, Lambrego

The new album MIGRANTS’ SONG CYCLE is the result of shared stories of migration and belonging from Anglo-Brazilian duo Hannah Dunster and Fernando Machado working as Lambrego, in creative partnership with award-winning Indian designer, director of moving image technology, Akhila Krishnan. As recipients of the English Folk Song and Dance Society’s Alan James Creative Bursary and Residency Programme in 2019-20, their collaborative work followed the evolving nature of migrancy, music and community in England through a fusion of world and English folk music. The result is the creative work known as MIGRANTS’ SONG CYCLE, a unique album whose songs follow the pattern or cycle of migration as Lambrego’s guitarist, Fernando Machado explains,

“We came together with the aim of creating a project of shared stories of migration and belonging. When creating the song cycle, we exchanged stories with people who have migrated to the south of England. With roots spanning from Cyprus, Ireland, France, Syria, Israel, India, Brazil, Argentina, United States, Senegal and Portugal, as well as British born with migrant ancestry, together we found a cycle of universal themes encompassing Home – Journey – Encounter – Saudades (longing) – New Roots and then finally returning back to Home.”

The music and lyrics on MIGRANTS’ SONG CYCLE were written by Fernando Machado and Hannah Dunster and are performed by guest musicians and singers in English, Portuguese, Mandinka and Hebrew. The album has 12 original songs performed by 17 musicians whose roots span five continents. ‘Migrants’ Song Cycle’ was originally launched at London’s Cecil Sharp House on July 20th and will next be performed in Lambrego’s home city of Brighton on Sunday September 25th. Lambrego will be joined on stage by Enrique Galassi on double bass; Alba Cabral on percussion with Tracey Milliner and Noga Ritter on vocals.

MIGRANTS’ SONG CYCLE can be seen and heard in concert at Brighton’s Unitarian Church on Sunday, 25 September, door entry by donation.

Listen to Migrant’s Song Cycle here.