Around The World | International Music To Fill Your 2025 Calendar
21 June 2025
Take a trip around the globe with our diverse lineup of musical acts, perfect for lovers of traditional and contemporary folk in all its forms and cultures.
Explore our exciting cross-continental programme of amazing musical acts coming to our stage this year. Featuring music from the Celtic capitals of England, Scotland and Ireland, the devotional chants and poetry of India, Portugal’s renowned fado singing, contemporary twists on Finnish folk, and Malian kora virtuoso performances.
As home to a working church, world-renowned music venue and cross-arts community hub, we’re committed to uniting people from all walks of life through music, art and spiritual events. This goal is perhaps more important than ever as we seek to bring communities together to celebrate their cultural influences and experiences. The Union Chapel, situated in the vibrant, diverse heart of Islington, is perfectly placed as a platform for artists to showcase their culture and have their voices heard.
Fanna-Fi-Allah Sufi Qawwali | Friday 27th June
This special event, part of Fanna-Fi-Allah’s 25th Anniversary World Tour, honours the rich heritage of Qawwali - a centuries-old musical form rooted in devotion, poetry, and spiritual ecstasy.
Snatam Kaur: Sacred Chant | Tuesday 8th July
Grammy-nominated recording artist and devotional singer, celebrated for her incandescent voice and profound knowledge of mantra. Accompanied by gifted, versatile musicians, expect a joyous, transformational experience.
António Zambujo & Miguel Araújo | Saturday 12th July
Two major voices in the new generation of Portuguese fado singers join forces for their UK debut live show at Union Chapel. After selling out the biggest venues in Portugal, they are venturing onto international stages for the first time together.
Auri: A Trail of Candles & Beginnings | Monday 15th September
This progressive Finnish Folk trio combines a dynamic arsenal of traditional instruments, youthful tender vocals and celestial, uplifting mood music to capture and enchant their audiences.
AJEET | Tuesday 16th September
Drawing from Latin and African percussion as well as Irish influences and instrumentation to create moments of all-encompassing calm and exuberant realms of celebration and release.
Ballaké Sissoko & Piers Faccini | Thursday 18th September
Two decades after their first ever collaboration, the British-Italian folk songwriter and Malian kora virtuoso return with a mesmerising album: Our Calling, a captivating musical dialogue that deftly bridges continents and traditions, inventing new song forms.
BREABACH | Friday 10th October
This critically acclaimed contemporary Scottish folk act will bring their trademark versatility, love of experimentation and a willingness to push the boundaries of Scottish roots music to the Union Chapel stage.
Deva Premal & Miten | Wednesday 22nd October
Committed to the ancient science of healing-with-sound, Deva & Miten travel the planet to bring light into a darkened world with their pristine expression of the gentle power of mantra.
Rita Payés | Wednesday 20th November
A Spanish jazz and bossa nova trombonist and singer-songwriter, Payés is an emerging talent of the Sant Andreu Jazz Band, the nucleus for some of the most promising young musicians on the jazz scene.
Fergus McCreadie Trio + Laura Jurd | Thursday 20th November
With a unique blend of Jazz and Scottish folk, pianist Fergus McCreadie captures the hearts and minds of audiences with an appeal transcending the constraints of genre. He’ll be accompanied by Laura Jurd, one of the most distinctive voices in jazz and improvised music today.
Flook | Thursday 27th November
Expect to be swept away by Flook's abundant artistry and virtuosity in an evening not to be missed, as they celebrate 30 years of their illustrious history as a critically acclaimed contemporary Anglo-Irish band.
Eliza Carthy & Jon Boden’s Wassail | Friday 12th December
English folk icons Eliza Carthy and Jon Boden combine their considerable talents and reputations within the UK folk scene for a nationwide wassail, celebrating the tradition of festive revellers going house-to-house to exchange songs for money, food and ale.
Brubeck Plays Brubeck | Monday 15 December
A slice of musical history as the legacy of jazz legend Dave Brubeck is celebrated by his eldest son and quartet. The world travelled quartet will also play a selection of South African jazz.
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