Chiswick School Students Build International Connections Through Music in Sarajevo

Students from Chiswick School recently returned from an unforgettable cultural and musical exchange in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where they collaborated with peers from the Pop Rock School of Sarajevo in a week filled with music, history, and shared experiences.

The visit began with a powerful introduction to Sarajevo’s recent past. Students attended a screening of “Scream for Me Sarajevo”, a documentary detailing the extraordinary story of how Iron Maiden performed a concert in the city during the siege. The experience was brought to life when the film’s producer joined the group for a live Q&A session, giving students the opportunity to engage directly and deepen their understanding of the resilience of Sarajevo’s people.

The group also visited the professional recording studio of acclaimed guitarist and producer Dino Šukalo. Students gained first- hand insight into the recording process, exploring industry-standard equipment and learning how music is produced at a professional level.

Music became a powerful unifying force throughout the trip. In a particularly memorable moment, students from both schools came together in the iconic Sarajevo City Hall to perform Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall”, showcasing the spirit of collaboration and shared creativity.

Beyond performance, students explored Sarajevo’s cultural landscape, including walks along the Miljacka River and a visit to the Planet Sarajevo museum, where they learned about the city’s rich musical heritage.

The exchange also attracted media attention, as N1 News Network paid a surprise visit to report on the growing cultural connection between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Kingdom. Their visit coincided with celebrations of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s football victory over Italy, securing a place in the World Cup and adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

Evenings were filled with live music and celebration. A standout moment was the final show at AG Club, where students from both schools performed a dynamic setlist, including spontaneous collaborations and new material. The exchange culminated in a large-scale joint concert on a major stage, performed to a packed audience that included a representative from the British Embassy. Throughout the trip, students formed lasting friendships, connecting through shared musical interests, jamming together, and experiencing the unifying power of music across cultures.

This international visit not only enhanced students’ musical skills and confidence but also broadened their global awareness, leaving them with memories and connections that will last a lifetime.