Sleep, Jesus, Sleep: Roxanna Panufnik's new version of the Ukrainian carol features an Afghan tabla player in support of Refugees

Composer Roxanna Panufnik and Signum Classics have released a new single in support of the Refugee Council. Sleep, Jesus, Sleep features gospel choir Soul Sanctuary, Ukrainian soprano Inna Husieva and Afghan tabla player Sulaiman Haqpana in Panufnik's arrangement of a traditional Ukrainian carol. 

As to why she has included an Afghan tabla in the mix, Panufnik explains "since Putin commenced his ‘special operation’ in Ukraine, the many thousands of Afghan refugees that we airlifted out of Kabul in August 2021 seem to have been all but forgotten. Thousands are still waiting to be housed (often with families to one hotel room). The Refugee Council will spend the money raised helping refugees of all nationalities to find their feet in the UK."

The single can be streamed [link tree] and every penny from both Panufnik and Signum's revenue from this will go to the Refugee Council.

Because the version on the disc is somewhat specialised, Panufnik has also created a conventional choral arrangement and there are over 40 live performances planned so far. [see her website for impressive details]. If you are interested in getting a copy, then contact Roxanna Panufnik via Twitter, or Facebook

You can also donate via her GoFundMe page.