An exploration of how migration has influenced and impacted on the musical heritage of Liverpool and beyond will take place at the the city’s Central Library this weekend.
Port City – The Migration of Musical Heritage is a project being delivered by Liverpool Libraries and Information Services (Liverpool Record Office) in partnership with Luma Creations on behalf of the National Archives.
On Eurovision day, 13th May 2023, a day of workshops, talks and performance will examine how as a port Liverpool has been exposed to successive waves of culture migrants and settlers that have formed strong connections with each other in the city. The event will explore the cultural and musical impact that successive migrant communities had on enabling Liverpool to become one of the most prominent cities on the musical world stage.
Topics being discussed on the day will include: Latin American musical influences that started with the arrival of Chilean exiles in the 70s; Spanish and Portuguese influences on the musical traditions of South America; the Scandinavian musical tradition that’s arrived through the Baltic Seamen; eastern and Asian influences on the musical heritage of the city; the musical traditions of the oldest Chinese community in Europe; the many, rich and diverse African melodies and rhythms that are immersed in the melting pot of Liverpool’s musical landscape; and spoken word performance traditions that come from the Global South.
Attendees will get the chance to meet a range of artists and join a discussion about Music Heritage in the Port City and the migrant music and communities that have made a home in Liverpool. The event will be Chaired by Luma Creations Creative Director, Francisco Carrasco.
Visitors are also encouraged to take the opportunity to view the Liverpool 1963. How did we do it? exhibition in the Hornby Library on the 1st floor. A unique take on the Merseybeat explosion in that year and a reminder of its influence on popular music across the world.
Port City – The Migration of Musical Heritage will take place on Saturday 13th May from 12pm to 5pm at Liverpool Central Library. Entrance is free.