Far from the Home I Love
- a major fundraising recital project

In 2019 Margaret undertook a very special piano recital tour, playing a programme called ‘Far from the Home I Love’ at 32 venues across the UK to raise money and awareness about refugees. Drawing on the stories and music of composers who had to leave their homelands because of war or persecution, or who moved country because of their work, her unique programme gave a powerfully emotional context to the theme of migration and resonated with the current troubling attitudes towards refugees and those in exile.

On this page you can find out the details of the programme she played, read some of the acclaim and reaction, and see a selection of photos from her travels.

In the course of her tour Margaret performed in cathedrals, churches, synagogues, arts centres, universities and schools. Most of the concerts were in support of City of Sanctuary UK, which is a network of over 120 local groups around the country who are building a culture of welcome for refugees and asylum seekers. Margaret was presented with a ‘Champion of Sanctuary’ award by City of Sanctuary UK in recognition of her work.

Following her livestream concert during lockdown, Margaret achieved her fundraising goal of £88,000 - this represents £1,000 for every key on the piano. One of the most popular pieces in the programme she took on tour was ‘Memories from My Land’ which she commissioned from the Kurdish refugee composer, Moutaz Arian. This evocative and haunting piece is now available to download on Bandcamp

The solos from Margaret’s livestream gala concert “Let Us Be Together" which took place in lockdown in June 2020 can be viewed HERE. The whole of the concert can be watched on FACEBOOK starting at 30 minutes in.