The Pimlico Musical Foundation presents Everyday Wonders: The Girl from Aleppo, Cecilia McDowall’s powerful musical adaptation of Christina Lamb’s award-winning book telling the true story of Nujeen Mustafa — a young girl with cerebral palsy who travelled in her wheelchair from war-torn Syria to Germany in search of safety, education and freedom.
As part of our 10th year anniversary programme, we are reprising our favourite pieces. Performed by over 100 local children from PMF’s six partner schools alongside the Pimlico Children’s Choir, Pimlico Foundation Choir, Pimlico Chorus, and professional Teacher-Singers, conducted by James Day. The evening will begin with a communal Middle-Eastern supper — a chance for audience and performers to share food, conversation, and community before the performance.
Everyday Wonders: Girl from Aleppo
Wednesday 3rd December
6.15PM Syrian Banquet, 7PM Performance
Pimlico Children’s Choir
Children from local schools
Foundation Scholars
Pimlico Chorus
Teacher-Singers
Conductor James Day
Programme
Cecelia McDowall and J. S. Bach
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Pimlico Musical Foundations 10th Year Anniversary Autumn concert, performed by children and adults from the community.
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Wednesday 3rd December 2025
6.15PM Syrian feast
7-8PM Performance
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St Gabriel’s Church, Warwick Square, Pimlico, London, SW1V 2AD
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£15 Adult Ticket
Under 30’s go for free
There is also a ‘pay what you can’ option, please email hello@pimlicomusicalfoundation.org.uk for details.
You will receive an email with your tickets, ready to scan at the door. You can buy your tickets here.
About
This five-movement cantata, scored for children’s choir, adult choir, violin and piano, vividly depicts Nujeen’s journey through chorales, rhythmic spoken sections, body percussion, and violin melodies infused with Middle-Eastern colours. The concert will open with music from Syrian guest musicians and conclude with music by J. S. Bach, representing Nujeen’s arrival in Germany. The book tells the true story of Nujeen Mustafa, a young girl with cerebral palsy who braves inconceivable odds to travel in her wheelchair from Syria in search of a new life. The story recounts the details of her childhood and disability, as well as the specifics of her harrowing journey across the Mediterranean to Greece and finally to Germany to seek an education and the medical treatment she needs.
With special thanks to: (Patrons) Mr Gavin Hall, Susan Bulmer, Lady Diana Brittan, Alexandra (Julie) Easton, Ms Laura Ayn Holleman, Angela Bunbury, Alan Cole, Mary Pearson, Dr George Gross, (Nightingales) Mr Ralph Allwood, Dr Stephen Richard Sklaroff, Eve White, Mrs Elizabeth Bennett, Sandie Dawe, Roger Lloyd, John Ridley, Jude Goffe, Debbie Speed, Lucy Taylor, Michael Wade, (Robins) Laurence Hemming, James Le Fanu, Katherine Rimell, Lady Maiko Rothermere, Carolyn Leigh, Marcus Perry, Tamara Oppenheimer, Philip Griffin, Michael Crane, Peter Leon, Peter Lilley, Marion Parsons, Capucine de Hennin, Mr Peter Watkins, Andrew Mitchell, Chantal Brown, Felicity Rice, Simon Clark
Tickets
Tickets go on sale Wednesday 22nd October