Osman Mir & Third Culture Collective

6th May 2025

Experience the Symphony of Gujarat

A Celebration of Musical Heritage

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music where tradition meets innovation, featuring the renowned Osman Mir and his son Aamir Mir.

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Symphony of Gujarat Concert

Saturday, 17 May 2025, 7pm

Experience “Symphony of Gujarat,” an extraordinary evening presented exclusively by the Third Culture Collective, an Ensemble in Association with the Commonwealth Resounds.

This special performance features celebrated Gujarati vocalist Osman Mir alongside his talented son, Aamir Mir. Presented as part of the “South Asian Sounds” series, the concert uniquely blends South Asian traditions with Western classical orchestration, promising an enchanting musical experience.

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Honoring Gujarat's Musical Legacy

Under the creative vision of composer and conductor Kavi Pau, audiences will delight in fresh orchestral arrangements that bring Gujarat’s vibrant musical traditions to life. From uplifting bhajans to energetic garba rhythms and the authentic beauty of lok sangeet, this event will showcase the rich diversity and depth of Gujarati music.

Osman Mir, affectionately known as the “Pride of Gujarat,” together with his son Aamir, will mesmerize audiences with their performances of beloved folk songs, spiritual bhajans, and memorable Bollywood hits. This concert celebrates not only the heritage of Gujarat but also the thriving British Indian cultural landscape, fostering unity across generations and communities through music.

Don’t miss this remarkable evening where tradition meets innovation, celebrating music, culture, and community spirit.

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Welcoming Aliyah

11th April 2025

Introducing Our New Commonwealth Music Ambassador

Aliyah Ramatally: Connecting Musical Cultures

Meet Aliyah Ramatally: Our New Ambassador

Introducing Aliyah Ramatally, the vibrant and innovative Trinidadian composer making waves as our new Commonwealth Music Ambassador. Now lighting up the UK music scene, Aliyah’s compositions pulse with storytelling, and cultural flair.

Aliyah’s journey began at Durham University, where she excelled academically, achieving a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Master of Arts with Distinction in Music & Science. Her passion for music has seen her join forces with the prestigious Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM).

Aliyah’s breakthrough moment came in 2020 when she wowed global audiences, winning the Audience Vote Award at the Commonwealth International Composition Award (CICA) with her unforgettable piece, “Mundo Nuevo – New World.” This bold and eclectic composition seamlessly fused the flute, steelpan, vibrant trombone harmonies, rich viola textures, and beats of the djembe.

Innovative Projects and Collaborations

Aliyah’s Trinidadian heritage is the heartbeat of her music. Her acclaimed portfolio, “Iere,” completed during her undergraduate years, boldly explores critical themes of colonization, lush Caribbean landscapes, enchanting folklore, and the dazzling spirit of Trinidad and Tobago’s iconic carnival.

With music premiered and embraced internationally—from dynamic stages in New York and Italy to vibrant showcases in Cardiff and across the UK—Aliyah Ramatally’s compositions are inspiring a global conversation. As Commonwealth Music Ambassador, Aliyah is passionately committed to spotlighting the Commonwealth’s diverse cultural voices, creating connections, and championing music as a powerful force for good.

Find out more about our Commonwealth Music Ambassadors

Welcoming our New Ambassador, Zara Antonia

4th April 2025

Introducing Our New Commonwealth Music Ambassador

Zara Antonia: A Visionary in Music and Culture

Join us in welcoming Zara Antonia, a trailblazing artist dedicated to uniting cultures through music.

Meet Zara Antonia: Our New Ambassador

The Commonwealth Resounds proudly announces Zara Antonia as its new Commonwealth Music Ambassador. Zara, a dynamic musician, producer, and visual artist from South London, will serve as a cultural advocate, to foster collaborations across The Commonwealth.

Of Jamaican heritage, Zara’s innovative artistic projects reflect her personality. As a classically-trained pianist, Zara has dazzled audiences worldwide, performing extensively across the UK, Europe, and North America. Her versatile recital programs blend historical masterpieces with contemporary compositions, captivating diverse audiences.

Beyond her performances, Zara’s notable projects include collaborations with prestigious institutions such as the Commonwealth Secretariat and the British Royal Family. Her dedication to music and community service has earned her recognition as a Young Ambassador for the Lang Lang International Music Foundation and a Keys of Inspiration Ambassador, mentoring inner-city primary school students.

Innovative Projects and Collaborations

Zara Antonia is renowned for her groundbreaking artistic projects that seamlessly blend music and visual arts. Her work with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the British Royal Family highlights her commitment to cultural diplomacy and artistic excellence.

Award Winning, International Artist

Zara studied at the esteemed Purcell School, receiving the Creators’ Award and the Arthur Felsenstein Leaver’s Award, and now continues her musical journey at the Royal Academy of Music with Professor Joanna MacGregor.

Recently selected as a Southbank Centre Future Artist for the 2024-25 season in collaboration with The Manchester Collective, Zara is perfectly positioned to inspire a new generation of Commonwealth musicians. In her role as Commonwealth Music Ambassador, Zara Antonia will use music as a platform to enhance cultural exchange, celebrate diversity, and promote inclusive dialogue among Commonwealth countries.

Find out more about our Commonwealth Music Ambassadors

PlayOn Recipients 2025

1st April 2025

Celebrating Global Musical Initiatives

ABRSM Play On Funding Recipients Announced

ABRSM unveils the 2025 Play On funding recipients, supporting innovative projects worldwide.

Find out More at ABRSM

ABRSM Play On Funding Recipients Announced

ABRSM unveils the 2025 Play On funding recipients, supporting innovative projects worldwide.

Find out More at ABRSM

Empowering Music Education Across the Globe

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) has proudly announced the recipients of this year’s Play On funding, marking a significant milestone in global music education. This initiative underscores ABRSM’s dedication to fostering musical talent through support of diverse projects. By empowering twelve exceptional initiatives, the Play On fund aims to extend the reach and impact of music education, ensuring that young musicians from all backgrounds can access transformative learning opportunities.

Each selected project exemplifies innovation and dedication to community enrichment. As these initiatives unfold, they promise to inspire and uplift communities, creating lasting legacies in the world of music education.

2025 Play On Funding Recipients

Among the exciting initiatives are:

India: The Sunshine Orchestra expands free music tuition for disadvantaged children from an 8-week pilot into a full-year programme.
Malaysia: Penang Jazz Society will host intensive jazz education workshops focusing on improvisation, theory, and instrumental studies.
Tanzania: Action Music Academy’s “Discovering Brass Tanzania” project will expand, enhancing brass education in partnership with the University of St Andrews.
Italy: Artipelago launches “The Immaterial Piazza Choir,” providing free, high-quality choral experiences over ten months.
South Africa: Education Africa’s Marimba Hub initiative will extend its impactful music education activities, reaching even more disadvantaged communities.
Mozambique: CACEFU’s marching band project gains renewed support, bolstering extracurricular musical opportunities.
Hong Kong: SAR Philharmonic Orchestra expands its community outreach through side-by-side workshops and performances.
USA: Minnesota’s Itasca Orchestra Strings Programme (IOSP) extends free orchestral music education opportunities to rural youth.
Kenya: Scholarships at the Kenya Conservatoire of Music’s Prelude Orchestra will provide accessible instrumental learning and performance opportunities.
Haiti: Music Fund ensures musical instruments reach young people in impoverished and conflict-affected areas.
South Africa: MusicWorks’ marimba programme offers safe spaces for music-making to marginalised young people.
South Pacific: SolFa Music Samoa initiates a collaborative musical partnership with Fiji, enhancing regional cultural exchange.

Learn About the Projects at ABRSM website

The Antigua & Barbuda Roundup!

14th January 2025

Go Compose! Eastern Caribbean

A remarkable milestone in music education for the region.

Celebrating Creativity: "Go Compose! Eastern Caribbean"

From 14th to 20th July 2024, the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, and St Kitts and Nevis came alive with music, collaboration, and creativity through the “Go Compose! Eastern Caribbean” programme. This week-long composition training initiative, hosted by the Government and High Commission of Antigua and Barbuda and supported by The Commonwealth Resounds, was a remarkable milestone in music education for the region.

A Unique Initiative

This pioneering programme brought together 40 young musicians and seven teachers from the Eastern Caribbean, along with 10 overseas tutors from leading UK music conservatoires and universities. For many, it marked the first collaborative composition workshop of its kind, fostering a unique environment where creativity flourished.

The event built upon the efforts of the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra (ABYSO), a thriving initiative under the leadership of H.E. Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda. The orchestra has been instrumental in nurturing musical talent and creating opportunities for young people, culminating in this transformative composition workshop.

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Film Composition

Under the guidance of Ka Youn Yoo, young composers crafted original scores for film, merging technology with live performance.

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Jazz Composition

Gabriel Taylor inspired students to create jazz melodies and harmonies, culminating in vibrant performances.

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Fusion

Led by Reuben Bance and Ellen Wilkinson, this group explored the ocean’s cultural significance through a blend of music, poetry, and art.

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Wind and Brass Composition

Jamie Smith led participants in composing original pieces, emphasizing improvisation and creativity.

Visiting guests

H.E. Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda kindly visited the workshops to encourage all the young participants and attended the final concert of their own music. We were also delighted to be able to welcome John Hamilton MBE, the Resident British Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda, plus the Deputy High Commissioner of Barbados, Charley Williams MBE. They all showed a great deal of interest in the programme and spoke warmly to those involved. H.E. Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda and his wife, Lady Williams, are Patrons of ABYSO.

Other Antiguan leaders who were invaluable to the development, preparation and and running of the project were Claudine Benjamin, C.O.O of ABYSO and Calynia Edwards, who supervised and managed the whole project so willingly and efficiently.
The project was co-directed by The Commonwealth Resounds. We believe that it was the first time that young people from different Caribbean countries had ever collaborated in a composition training programme of this kind to create new music.
In total, 40 young people and 7 teachers from all these countries were involved, working with 10 overseas tutors.

What The Participants Said

“I now have more confidence in my individuality as a musician.”

Orlando, Antigua.

“The attitude with which everyone approached composition was admirable. I’ve learnt that every student jsut needed someone to encourage and believe in them. It was so lovely to see the students inspiring each other.”

Rosemary, UK Tutor

“The steelpan workshop was a highlight for me. Learning from Khan Cordice was an unforgettable experience that deepened my appreciation for Caribbean music.”

Ethan, Nevis

“Thank you to the whole team! No small feat in putting it all together.”

Sheviona, Montserrat.

“We all had a wonderful time in Antigua and my students learned so much. Thank you to everybody who worked so hard to make it a success”

Venelle, Music Teacher from St Kitts and Nevis)

Peter & Reuben rehearsing for the concert on stage at Lucky Eddie's

The team from Montserrat and St Kitts & Nevis

Lily and Rosemary our clarinet and saxophonist outside before the ABYSO concert

The group gather for the final time as the course drew to a close. Alison Cox MBE congratulated everyone on their achievements and outlined the plans for the next day's concert.

The Film group exploring Ka Youn's latest creation

The film group discuss how their music fits with their movie clips.

Ka Youn with one of her students from the first Composition concert in the Caribbean

Lily and Rosemary visit the ABS TV Studios for an early morning performance

Rosemary and Lily perform a new work specially composed by Ka Koun for ABS radio and TV

The Montserrat musicians

The fusion team have the opportunity to develop their skills in composition.

Lily experiences the magnificent Sir Vivien Richards Stadium for the first time from the press gallery

The Jazz team preparing for the concert on stage at Lucky Eddie's

Ellen and Reuben put the finishing touches onto the resources for their course

The team leaving Gatwick airport ready for their adventure in Antigua

The St Kitts & Nevis team

The team land in Antigua Airport

Alison, Herman & Calynia interviewed on ABS Radio

The Film group met up with John Hamilton MBE, Resident British Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda, Charley Williams MBE, Deputy Head of Mission to Barbados and Non-Resident High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill OBE, High Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom and member of the Commonwealth's Board of Governors.

The film course present one of their works to the whole group

Our fusion course mixes words and music.

The team join together to perform with ABYSO

A Caribbean Sunset at Jolly Beach

Ka Youn and Ellen preparing for their TV and Radio interviews

The wind ensemble share their creative works with Lily performing the newly composed music

Painted by one of the students as inspiration from the fusion course.

The class of 2024! The commonwealth resounds team are all together for the closing of the course

Reuben outlines his requirements for the music and spoken word course.

An Antiguan student trying out new compositions

Peter, Ellen, Lily and Rosemary prepare for the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra (ABYSO) Concert at the American University of Antigua

Reuben Bance (TCR), Calynia Edwards and Herman Francis interviewed on Observer Radio

Calynia and Alison on Antigua Barbuda today

The TCR musicians outside the TV studios

The team get together for an early breakfast meeting to plan and prepare their week's activities.

A film taster group explore music within film

Calynia, Ellen and Ka Youn on ABS Radio

Lily & Rosemary performing on Antigua Barbuda today

Her Excellency, Karen-May Hill, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda welcomes everyone to the first ever pan Caribbean Composition Course!

The jazz students with Reuben and Rosie the tutors

Ellen is reunited with her oboe students. She has taught them online since 2019 but only met in person twice before!

Venelle shared an amazing fruit called a Soursop with the visitors. It certainly is rather sour, but delicious at the same time!

The Jazz musicians in action. Developing a deep sense of rhythm to start the course

Ka Youn introduces the music and film course

The film group showcase their graphic scores and discuss ideas for their music.

The afternoon performance was a chance to hear the music which has been created so far.

The Commonwealth Resounds team with their Excellencies John Hamilton MBE, Resident British Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda, Charley Williams MBE, Deputy Head of Mission to Barbados and Non-Resident High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill OBE, High Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom and member of the Commonwealth's Board of Governors.

English Harbour on the tour of Antigua

Ka Youn and Reuben lead discussions around our instrumentalists and how we can use them through the week to ensure that everyone has access to a top world class musician.

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