Special Event | The Nightingale with Sam Lee

Join conservationist, renowned musician and folk expert Sam Lee for this unique event in which Sam will talk about his book, The Nightingale; a unique and lyrical portrait of a famed yet elusive songbird, and will also perform music inspired by his experiences and personal encounters with this unique creature.

From Greek mythology and John Keats, to Persian poetry and ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’, Lee delves into the various ways we have celebrated the nightingale through traditions, folklore, music, literature, from ancient history to the present day. Lee’s book reveals in beautiful detail the bird’s song, habitat, characteristics and migration patterns, as well as the environmental issues that threaten its livelihood.

‘Sam Lee has brought the poetic magic that has long enchanted so many of his musical fans into the written word. Allow yourself to glimpse the world Sam sees, to be part of his love affair with the nightingale, and you will no doubt be delighted.’ – Lily Cole

After the talk, you will be able to purchase a copy of The Nightingale and have it signed by Sam Lee.

This special event is part of our March Late event. By purchasing this talk ticket you gain free access to our Galleries, exhibitions and drop-in activities from 5-8.30pm.

Speaker - Sam Lee

Sam Lee plays a unique role in the British music scene. A Mercury prize nominated singer, highly inventive and original arranger, folksong interpreter, passionate conservationist, song collector and creator of live events.

Sam’s work as an artist has shaken up the music scene breaking boundaries between traditional and contemporary music and the assumed places and ways folksong is appreciated. With his latest critically acclaimed and Mojo Album of the Month ‘Songdreaming’, he’s summoned up a truly compelling and emotional album that takes his work to yet another level. In 2021, Sam released his debut book The Nightingale, notes on a songbird telling the epic tale of this highly endangered bird and their place in culture, folklore, music and literature throughout the millennia. Sam’s a regular radio and TV broadcaster, film soundtrack composer and has provided songs for several major feature films. As a change-maker in the music industry he is a co-founder of Music Declares Emergency, FAC board member and the pioneering artist to work with leading environmental charity Earthpercent to whom a portion of proceeds of the current album will be donated.