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James Nissen

International music festivals; Jewish music; diaspora; music education

James is a singer and plays violin, guitar and piano. He completed his PhD at the University of Manchester and has conducted research on topics including the world music industry, music education, the Greek music scene in London, and Yiddish music. He has collaborated on research with several arts and media organisations, including the BBC, Band on the Wall, and Music Action International. James teaches in university, school and community contexts on subjects ranging from music cultures to klezmer performance and he is a founding and executive member of the MESI (Music, Education and Social Inclusion) ICTM (International Council for Traditional Music) Study Group.

James Nissen

International music festivals; Jewish music; diaspora; music education

The Mancumbians: a transnational Latin band building community and sharing culture in Manchester

Iris Mavraki: a political singer tackling global issues through song and music

Julio Guzmán: a Dominican singer bringing Latin rhythms to the streets of Manchester

Avital Raz: a singer/songwriter and theatre-maker taking on controversial topics and challenging audience expectations

Sens Sagna: spreading peace and unity through music and dance

Lipa Tomlin: a singer/guitarist spreading joy through music in the Chassidic community

Eliorah Goodman: a flautist bringing Jewish musical spirituality into new contexts

Delyana Lazarova: the Hallé conductor taking classical music in new directions

Emmanuela Yogolelo: a singer/songwriter preserving and transforming Congo’s musical traditions

Pringle Gulzar: a tabla player guided by faith and celebrating South Asian culture

Geli Berg (DJ Mayeva): a world music DJ bringing cultures together

Juan García: a singer/guitarist and DJ celebrating flamenco culture and hosting the most popular Spanish and Latin music nights in Manchester

Kadria Thomas: a gospel choir leader offering inspiration and positivity through the medium of song

Gulcin Bulut: a singer sharing the wisdom of Sufi music for international audiences

Abhishek Kodaganallur Pichumani: a violinist/vocalist bridging the worlds of Carnatic and Western classical music

Laszlo Palko: sharing the joy of percussion in Manchester

Tyndale Thomas: giving good news through gospel and inspirational song

Hamza Bouzhar: a Sufi singer with a message of love and openness