Thinking through music: SOAS Festival of Ideas 2022

The latest SOAS Festival of Ideas presents a month of music and a varied programme of dance, film and visual arts events.  

This years’ theme, ‘thinking through music’ allows us to consider music (and dance) as a way to think.  

Caspar Melville, Director of the Festival of Ideas said:  

“Music is a unifying factor which doesn’t always get the academic attention it deserves as a vital part of culture. So, when I got the chance to curate a festival at SOAS, I designed the kind of festival that I’d like to go to, with music at the centre.  

Expect an exploration of DJing, dancing, decolonising and diaspora. It's a festival for people who like panel discussions and parties, and refuse to choose between them." 

The festival kicks off on Saturday 29 October with a jam session hosted by South London jazz collective Steam Down with SOAS students, followed by a range of events in November that will entertain, inform and educate on a wide range of issues:  

From the philosophy of jazz with Fumi Okiji to how we can decolonise music education, to debating dance and discussing the art of DJing with Colin Dale, Harold Heath, DJ Charlie Dark and DJ Nabihah Iqbal and exploring the connections between music, dance, film and visual arts. 

The festival will also host a hands-on instrument workshop for children, a live podcast recording, specialist panels and intimate discussions with music theorists and music makers, there’s something for everyone – and there will be parties too.  

Check out the full SOAS Festival of Ideas programme.