Can music transform communities, shape social change, and give voice to histories that might otherwise be forgotten? In this episode Sarah Sayeed from Queen Mary University of London explores the role of music in East London communities through the historical People’s Palace and the contemporary work of Spitalfields Music.
Her research examines how music and the arts have been used across time to shape community life. It also considers how Victorian philanthropists used art and leisure as tools for social improvement, and at times as a means of diverting working-class communities from political engagement.
Using archival research, newspaper analysis, and oral history interviews, Sarah seeks to uncover the voices of diverse communities, including immigrant groups whose experiences are often underrepresented in historical records.
The conversation also explores how her work connects to wider themes of intersectionality and post-colonialism, as well as the role of music in supporting community wellbeing. Sarah reflects on her commitment to public engagement, including plans to share her research through podcasts, documentaries, and local history projects.
This is a Research Podcasts production.
You can access a transcript of this conversation here.
Episode Credits:
Presenter and Producer: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts
Guests: Sarah Sayeed, Queen Mary University of London
Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts
Music: Podcast Interview Intro Music by Dmitrii Spis, Pixabay
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