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)

Alison cox OBE introduces the concert, the first of its kind in the Caribbean.

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

English Harbour on the tour of Antigua

The team join together to perform with ABYSO

Bursting at the seems for Kahn Cordice's masterclass and Pan Demonstration

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

Our fusion course mixes words and music.

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

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

Musicians preparing to demonstrate

The Film group prepare a graphic score in groups as an icebreaker activity.

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.

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

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

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

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.

The Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams, addresses the incredible young composers at the end of the first ever Composition Concert in the Caribbean.

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

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

Alison, Herman & Calynia interviewed on ABS Radio

Calynia, Ellen and Ka Youn on ABS Radio

Reuben shows off his Korean drum

Kahn Cordice demonstrating Steel Pan and how to arrange and compose for Steel pan

The Commonwealth Resounds team outside the ABS TV Studios

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

Students working on their films. This group have the theme of the oceans and are working on a film from the Commonwealth Blue Charter

The jazz workshop allowed everyone to hear the creativity of the day. Here the Jazz team share their ideas.

Lily & Rosemary performing on Antigua Barbuda today

Students performing a sample of their music alongside their films for everyone to hear what has been achieved.

The wind and brass composition team ask the students to demonstrate their instruments and explain the techniques to make different sounds.

Kahn Cordice Demonstrating Steel Pan

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

The Film group exploring Ka Youn's latest creation

Micah introduces his composition which was performed by professional musicians at Lucky Eddi's in English Harbour, Antigua.

A film taster group explore music within film

Jamie leads the instrumental composition group.

Sir Vivien Richards Cricket ground where the course is taking place

Ka Youn introduces herself and the film composition course.

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

The TCR team on their tour of Antigua

The St Kitts & Nevis team

The Wind and Brass composition group perform to the team

Ka Youn introduces the music and film course

The team enjoying the view from Shirley Heights over English harbour

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

The Montserrat musicians

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

In Conversation with Composer Ka Youn Yoo

3rd August 2024

An Exclusive Interview with Rising Star Composer Ka Youn Yoo

A conversation with Peter Banks, 3rd August 2024

At The Commonwealth Resounds, we are privileged to work with many talented musicians and composers, and Ka Youn Yoo is certainly one of them. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to bridge cultures through music is truly inspiring. For those who have not yet had the pleasure of meeting her, we sat down with Ka Youn to discuss her career, influences, and the impact of her work.

Innovative Sounds

Ka Youn bring together music from her Korean background and blends it beautifully with western orchestral sounds

Cultural Impact

By mixing sounds from many cultures, Ka Youn is making a name for herself across the world as she develops her own unique and instantly recognisable music.

In Conversation With Ka Youn Yoo

Q: You are very well known to us at The Commonwealth Resounds, but for those who may not have met you, can you describe your career so far? Tell us about your early influences in music and what led you to pursue a career in composition?

Ka Youn Yoo: My musical role model was my mum, a professional Daegum (Korean bamboo flute) player. Watching her performances as a child inspired me deeply. I joined an art troupe where I performed traditional Korean dance and songs, and touring 16 countries with them really sparked my passion for music. It was through watching international dramas that I decided to become a composer. Moving to the UK at 17 to study at The Purcell School transformed my journey, giving me the freedom to explore my creativity and develop my musical identity in a way that was not possible in Korea.

Q: How did your experience studying for a master’s degree in Composition for Screen at the Royal College of Music influence your approach to composition?

Ka Youn Yoo: Studying at SOAS before the Royal College of Music allowed me to explore a variety of instruments from around the world, such as the Gamelan, Tabla, and Chango. This exposure influenced my desire to incorporate these sounds into my compositions. At the Royal College of Music, I honed my skills in using technology and DAWs, which helped me develop my voice as a film composer, integrating traditional instruments into modern scores.

Ka Youn with her Mother

Ka Youn with her Mother, her inspiration

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I believe composition is a powerful tool for expressing personal and cultural identity.

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Q: Can you share some highlights from your studies, such as significant projects or collaborations that have been particularly impactful for you?

Ka Youn Yoo: One of the highlights was creating “K-Folklore: Past, Present, Future,” a showcase that encapsulated my journey as a musician. This project, performed at the Korean Culture Centre in the UK, combined traditional and modern Korean music and dance, and art. It was my first professional project with proper funding and a venue, and it aimed to provide a platform for emerging Korean artists. The full house and positive reception made it a particularly rewarding experience, and a documentary about the project is currently in production.

Q: Your works have been premiered in prestigious venues worldwide, including Cadogan Hall and the National Gugak Centre. Which of these performances stands out to you the most and why?

Ka Youn Yoo: The performance at Cadogan Hall with the Purcell School Orchestra stands out the most. They premiered my orchestral piece “Taepyeong,” which means “Peace.” It was my first orchestral commission and the first time I incorporated both Western and Eastern influences. Bringing together Korean rhythmic cycles within a Western orchestral setting allowed me to freely explore my identity as a composer.

Q: Can you describe the creative process behind one of your most acclaimed pieces?

Ka Youn Yoo: For “Fairytale Lullaby,” which was recorded at Angel Studios, I started with a solid piano sketch. The fun part is expanding this sketch for a full orchestra. Hearing the transformation from a simple piano line to a full orchestral piece felt like magic—a truly fairy tale experience.

Ka Youn receives a standing ovation at the premier of her composition for the Purcell School Symphony Orchestra at the Cadogan Hall

Ka Youn presents her concert of Korean music at her K-Folklore creation in London.

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Being a good composer makes me a better mentor, and vice versa. Both roles involve guiding and inspiring others while continuing to grow and learn myself.

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

Ka Youn with her students after the first ever Antiguan composition course

Q: What do you find most rewarding about working with musicians from different cultural backgrounds?

Ka Youn Yoo: Working with musicians from diverse backgrounds is incredibly rewarding. During my composition workshops in Antigua and Barbuda, I found the students’ enthusiasm for learning music to be very inspiring. Their positive attitude towards music is contagious and motivates me to continue exploring different cultural influences in my compositions.

Q: How do you believe music, and specifically your compositions, can help build and strengthen communities within the Commonwealth? Can you provide an example of a project or performance where you saw music bring people together in a meaningful way?

Ka Youn Yoo: Music allows people to discover different cultures. As a composer, I aim to promote Korean culture and encourage global audiences to experience diverse musical traditions. For example, my work with ABYSO involved incorporating local musical elements into orchestral arrangements, allowing students to explore their musical identities. I would love to create more projects that combine various cultural instruments, like steel pan with an orchestra, to foster deeper cultural exchange.

Q: You have worked with young musicians during your tours and collaborations. What impact do you hope to have on them through your music and mentorship? What advice would you give to young composers and musicians who aspire to create music that resonates across cultures and communities?

Ka Youn Yoo: I believe composition is a powerful tool for expressing personal and cultural identity. My goal is to help young musicians incorporate their cultural backgrounds into their music. My advice to them is to explore and embrace their cultural heritage in their compositions, as it adds a unique and powerful dimension to their work.

Q: How do you balance your roles as a mentor and as a composer?

Ka Youn Yoo: I don’t see them as separate roles. Being a good composer makes me a better mentor, and vice versa. Both roles involve guiding and inspiring others while continuing to grow and learn myself.

Q: Reflecting on your career so far, what are some of the most valuable lessons you have learnt?

Ka Youn Yoo: The most valuable lesson I have learned is the importance of maintaining one’s identity. Having a strong sense of who you are and what you want to express in your music solves many problems and leads to more authentic and impactful creations.

Q: How do you balance your creative aspirations with the practicalities of working as a composer in today’s music industry?

Ka Youn Yoo: Balancing creativity and practicality often involves collaboration. It’s essential to be open-minded and willing to discuss ideas with commissioners and collaborators. This collaborative approach helps resolve many challenges and leads to successful projects.

Q: How has technology influenced your approach to composition, especially in creating works for screen?Are there any technological advancements or tools that you find particularly exciting for the future of music composition?

Ka Youn Yoo: Technology has opened up many possibilities in composition, especially for screen. Recording and sampling non-Western instruments, for example, allows me to integrate diverse sounds into my work, even when traditional notation is not feasible.

AI tools like iZotope, which assist in mixing and mastering, are very exciting. They allow composers to produce high-quality work more efficiently, enhancing the creative process.

Q: How can audiences and fellow musicians support your work and your broader aims to foster cultural exchange through music?

Ka Youn Yoo: Supporting my concerts and following my work on social media is a great start. Additionally, I aim to build an initiative to represent artists based in Europe, promoting Korean traditional works and creating a space for young creatives to express their thoughts. Paying attention to cultural events and supporting emerging artists can make a significant difference.

Ka Youn recording and conducting her own composition

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Ka Youn presents her score "Fairytale Lullaby"

It has been a pleasure talking to Ka Youn, she’s a confident and eloquent composer who clearly has a love for music. Ka Youn Yoo’s dedication to fostering cultural exchange through music is truly inspiring. Her ability to blend traditional Korean elements with modern compositions and share this with audiences worldwide highlights the power of music to bridge cultural divides. We look forward to seeing how her future projects continue to impact the global music community.

You can find out more by clicking on any of the links below to hear her music and visit her social media platforms.

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