Meeting the team: Emily Abbott, Young Commonwealth Musicians

25th June 2025

Emily Abbott Joins as Ambassador for Young Commonwealth Musicians Network

We are thrilled to announce Emily Abbott is joining our team as one of our new ambassadors for the Young Commonwealth Musicians Network.

Find out more about our Commonwealth Music Ambassadors

Emily Abbott

Emily Abbott, a distinguished alumna of King’s College, Cambridge, graduated with First-Class Honours in Music in June 2024. She currently serves as the Alumni Relations and Events Officer at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge. During her academic journey, Emily demonstrated exceptional talent in violin performance, earning the prestigious Derek Cornwell Scholarship. Her contributions to music were further recognized with the Edward Gollin Prize. Emily’s leadership as President of the King’s College Music Society from 2022 to 2023 was marked by the orchestration of a year-long concert series, including collaborations with the renowned Choir of King’s College. Her commitment to accessibility in the arts is evident through her co-authored publication in Sound Studies, addressing aural and neurodiversity in classical music audiences. At St Catharine’s, Emily continues to foster community through music, organizing events such as a choir concert at Temple Church in London.

Honors and Distinctions

2023

Derek Cornwell Scholarship

Awarded for outstanding excellence in violin performance during her studies at King’s College, Cambridge.

2024

Edward Gollin Prize

Recognized for her significant contributions to music within the College, showcasing her dedication and talent.

2023

European Premiere Performer

Invited to perform in the European premiere of The Blue Hour at the Chapel of St John’s College, highlighting her exceptional musical abilities.

Find out more about our Commonwealth Music Ambassadors

Osman Mir & Third Culture Collective

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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Buy tickets now!

The Countdown is on...

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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.

Buy tickets now!
Buy tickets now!

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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CYM Network launch

6th May 2025

Connecting the Commonwealth, One Note at a Time

Commonwealth Youth Music Network

Celebrating the diverse musical talents of young artists across the Commonwealth. Our network is a vibrant community where creativity and collaboration know no bounds.

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Our Mission and Vision

The Commonwealth Resounds is excited to announce the launch of the Commonwealth Youth Music Network—a vibrant, dynamic community dedicated to amplifying the voices of young musicians across the Commonwealth.

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to foster a collaborative space where creativity thrives, performances inspire, and connections flourish. Through music, we aim to unite diverse cultures, build lasting relationships, and create meaningful educational exchanges.

Our key aims include:

  • Promoting unity through musical collaboration across Commonwealth nations.

  • Encouraging education, appreciation, and exchange of diverse musical traditions.

  • Offering a global platform for young Commonwealth Ambassadors and affiliated musicians to share their talents, traditions, and stories.

  • Building a comprehensive database of musicians and composers, fueling curiosity and respect for the rich musical diversity within the Commonwealth.

  • Providing youth-focused opportunities to engage directly with Commonwealth Resounds projects and initiatives.

Looking ahead, the Commonwealth Youth Music Network will host an array of engaging activities including performances, workshops, insightful articles, exclusive interviews, and interactive panel discussions.

Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come as we grow this exciting new platform for music, discovery, and connection across the Commonwealth!

 

Key Aims of Our Network

Fostering Musical Unity

We aim to bridge cultures by promoting musical collaborations across Commonwealth nations, encouraging unity through shared artistic endeavors.

Educational Exchange

Our platform supports the appreciation and exchange of diverse musical traditions, providing educational opportunities for young musicians to learn from one another.

Global Platform for Talent

We offer a stage for young Commonwealth Ambassadors and musicians to share their unique talents and stories, enriching the global music community.

Fostering Musical Unity

We hope to bridge cultures by promoting musical collaborations across Commonwealth nations, encouraging unity through shared artistic endeavors.

Educational Exchange

Our platform supports the appreciation and exchange of diverse musical traditions, providing educational opportunities for young musicians to learn from one another.

What Our Musicians Say

“Being part of the Commonwealth Youth Music Network has opened doors to new friendships and musical collaborations I never imagined.”

Alex Thompson

“The workshops have been incredibly inspiring, offering a unique insight into diverse musical traditions.”

Priya Patel

“Performing at the Youth Music Festival was a transformative experience that boosted my confidence and skills.”

Jamal Edwards

Get involved!

Contact us today

6 + 13 =

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

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