A Musical Journey Across Continents at Everton Free School

Students at Everton Free School were given a truly unique cultural experience this week as award-winning kora player Sophie Lukacs visited to deliver her inspiring workshop, Kora Beyond Borders.

Bringing music, history and storytelling together, Sophie introduced students to the kora — a 21-stringed West African harp with roots stretching back to the 13th-century Mandingue Empire. Through a combination of live performance and engaging discussion, students explored how this remarkable instrument has carried stories across generations, continents and cultures.

Sophie’s visit offered more than just music. Students learned about the important role of the griot — a traditional West African oral historian and musician — and how cultural traditions are preserved and passed down over time. The workshop created meaningful links between music, geography and history, helping students to see how art connects people across the world.

A highlight of the session was hearing Sophie perform both traditional kora pieces and her own original compositions, sung in multiple languages including Bambara, English and Hungarian. Her performances captivated students, offering an authentic and immersive insight into West African musical traditions.

Sophie also shared her personal journey, from training as a classical violinist to studying in Mali for seven years under renowned kora masters such as Toumani Diabaté. Her story encouraged students to think creatively about their own futures and the value of embracing new cultures and opportunities.

The workshop was highly interactive, with students given the chance to ask questions, engage with the music, and deepen their understanding of global traditions. It was an enriching experience that broadened horizons and brought learning to life beyond the classroom.

Everton Free School would like to thank Sophie for delivering such an engaging and memorable session. Experiences like this play a vital role in inspiring curiosity, celebrating diversity and supporting our students to become globally aware learners.