Great Exchanges is a collaboration between Portobello Radio, and Imperial College London. This series brings together scientists and community voices, to explore the ideas that shape our everyday lives. Ahead of the Great Exhibition Road Festival, on June 6th and 7th 2026

In this episode, we turn our attention to the joy and benefits of playing music together — and why making music collectively can have such a powerful impact on connection, trust and wellbeing.

Joining today’s conversation is Professor Ian Cross from the University of Cambridge, whose research explores the social and cognitive aspects of people making music together. We’re also joined by Dr Haroun Shah, director of Nostalgia Steelband, Europe’s oldest steel orchestra. He is appearing on the Joy of Playing Music Together panel at the Festival. Together, our guests explore how what happens when people come into time with one another, and how shared rhythm, synchrony and collective participation can build social bonds, create belonging and sustain cultural heritage.