Chiswick School Students Make Cultural Exchange Visit to Sarajevo

International friendships and music ties forged

Chiswick School students in Bosnia and Herzegovina

April 17, 2026

Students from Chiswick School have returned from an inspiring week-long cultural and musical exchange in Sarajevo, forging new international friendships and performing alongside young musicians from the Pop Rock School of Sarajevo.

The visit opened with a powerful introduction to the city’s recent history. The group attended a screening of Scream for Me Sarajevo, the documentary recounting Iron Maiden frontman and former Chiswick resident Bruce Dickinson’s extraordinary decision to perform in the besieged city during the Bosnian War. The experience was made even more vivid when the film’s producer joined the students for a live Q&A, offering first-hand insight into Sarajevo’s resilience and the role music played in sustaining hope.

Students also stepped inside the professional world of music production during a visit to the studio of acclaimed guitarist and producer Dino Šukalo, where they explored industry-standard equipment and learned how tracks are recorded and shaped.

Music remained at the heart of the exchange. One of the most memorable moments came when students from both schools gathered in the grand surroundings of Sarajevo City Hall to perform Pink Floyd’s Another Brick in the Wall, a collaboration that captured the spirit of creativity and connection running through the trip.

Beyond rehearsals and performances, the group explored the city’s cultural landscape, walking along the Miljacka River and visiting the Planet Sarajevo museum to learn about the region’s rich musical heritage.

The exchange even attracted media attention. Journalists from N1 News Network made a surprise visit to report on the growing cultural links between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the UK. Their arrival coincided with national celebrations following Bosnia and Herzegovina’s football victory over Italy, securing a place in the World Cup and adding to the lively atmosphere.

Evenings were filled with live music and shared performances. A standout event was the final show at AG Club, where students from both schools performed a dynamic setlist that included spontaneous collaborations and new material developed during the week. The exchange culminated in a large-scale joint concert on a major stage, played to a packed audience that included a representative from the British Embassy.

Evenings were filled with live music and shared performances

Throughout the visit, students formed lasting friendships, bonding over shared musical interests, late-night jam sessions and the experience of discovering a new culture through music.

Chiswick School said the exchange not only strengthened students’ musical skills and confidence but also broadened their global awareness. Many returned with a deeper understanding of Sarajevo’s history — and with connections that, they say, will last a lifetime.