Return to Antigua and Barbuda

1st July 2024

A Symphony of Cultures: Our Return to Antigua

The Commonwealth Resounds: Returning to Antigua & Barbuda

Join us as we embark on another inspiring chapter of musical exploration and collaboration with the talented youth of Antigua & Barbuda.

Anticipating Our Return

A New Chapter in Antigua & Barbuda

We are thrilled to announce our return to the beautiful shores of Antigua & Barbuda this summer! Our previous journey was filled with unforgettable moments, from teaching recorder in Barbuda to witnessing the incredible dedication of young musicians. This year, we aim to build on the foundations laid last year with advanced composition workshops, rehearsals, and performances of new pieces. Our collaborative projects will involve both returning students and new faces, ensuring a diverse and enriching experience for all participants. Antigua and Barbuda will be welcoming students from Montserrat and St Kitts & Nevis to join 20 young Antiguan students in this unique project, the first ever to happen in the Caribbean. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach our departure date.

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Memories from Our Last Visit

Antigua & Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra

Unforgettable Moments

A Journey of Musical Inspiration

Our previous visit to Antigua was nothing short of magical. We had the privilege of teaching recorder to eager students in Barbuda, witnessing their rapid progress and unbridled enthusiasm. The dedication and passion of these young musicians was truly inspiring, leaving a lasting impression on our team.

One of the highlights was the first ever Symphony Orchestra concert on Barbuda, where the energy and excitement was palpable. The enchanting rehearsals at iconic venues like the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium added to the unforgettable experience, creating memories that will stay with us forever.

Upcoming Plans

Building on Success

The warm reception from the local community in Antigua was heartwarming and encouraging. The evident musical potential on the islands was a testament to the talent and dedication of the young musicians we had the pleasure of working with. Their enthusiasm and commitment to learning and growing musically was truly remarkable.

This summer, we have an exciting lineup of activities planned. Our team of dedicated composers and musicians will be conducting advanced workshops, diving deeper into the intricacies of musical creation. Composition will be a key focus, as we work closely with young musicians from Antigua & Barbuda, Montserrat and St Kitts & Nevis to refine their skills and prepare for a stunning performance of new music by young people at the end of the week.

Welcome to our new Young Commonwealth Music Ambassador

1st July 2024

Ellen Wilkinson Appointed as Young Commonwealth Music Ambassador

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Ellen Wilkinson as the new Young Commonwealth Music Ambassador. Ellen, an accomplished oboist, writer, arts producer, and educator, brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic approach to her new role.

Ellen Wilkinson, based in South London, graduated from the Royal Academy of Music (RAM) in July 2023 with First Class Honours. She received the prestigious Irene Humber Prize for the highest Woodwind recital mark. Professionally, Ellen has performed with the Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra and at the Dorset Opera Festival, showcasing her talent in several chamber ensembles.

In her first year at RAM, Ellen founded and edited the conservatoire’s student newspaper, RAMpage News. She continues to make significant contributions to the arts as a writer, currently serving as a theatre and classical music critic for the online review magazine, The Upcoming. Ellen is also developing a blog for the newly formed Odyssey Festival Orchestra, aiming to make orchestral concerts more engaging for younger and broader audiences.

Ellen’s versatility as a creative generalist is evident in her interests in theatre, dance, writing, and music. In January 2024, she completed the Almeida Theatre’s Young Producers Scheme, where she helped produce a free arts festival for under 25s and conducted a workshop on composing for theatre. She further combined theatre and music in a performance at the Marylebone Theatre following a weeklong introduction to the Jacques Le Coq school of training.

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Growing up in Brixton, Ellen participated in the Royal Opera House’s Chance to Dance scheme and trained with the Royal Ballet School’s Associate Programme. She has performed on notable stages, including the Royal Opera House and Sadler’s Wells.

Ellen is passionate about education and outreach. As an Open Academy Fellow with RAM, she curates and delivers creative musical workshops in various community settings, including care homes, hospitals, and a pupil referral unit. She has also worked as an oboe tutor for the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra since 2020, and will assist in a composition programme organized by the Commonwealth Resounds Charity in July 2024. Additionally, Ellen teaches flute, oboe, and recorder at Thomson House School and has recently taught dance and drama for Croydon Music and Arts.

Ellen’s Vision and First Engagement
Upon her appointment, Ellen expressed her excitement and a bit of nervousness about making her professional public speaking debut as a Young Commonwealth Music Ambassador at Marlborough House. She participated in a panel discussion celebrating Women in Oceans, Science, Art, Communications, and Government for World Ocean Day. Ellen aimed to convey the transformative power of the arts in engaging people from all backgrounds in broader societal issues, such as ocean sustainability.

Following her first appearance, Ellen shared her inspiring experience on social media:

“In my new role as ‘Young Commonwealth Music Ambassador,’ I had an amazingly inspiring time at Marlborough House last night speaking about how the Arts can help communicate vital scientific messages, such as Ocean Sustainability. Two particular highlights were watching the incredible dancer Fernando Montaño’s rendition of ‘The Swan’ and listening to the incredibly warm and articulate Kelly Forsythe speak on the societal barriers she has had to overcome as a woman of colour in the field of marine biology. Huge thanks and admiration go to my fellow panel members and the event’s organiser, Heidi Prislan. Happy World Ocean Day!”

Looking Ahead
Ellen Wilkinson’s diverse skills and passion for combining art forms to create thought-provoking performances make her an exceptional Young Commonwealth Music Ambassador. She will be returning for a 3rd visit to Antigua and Barbuda this summer with The Commonwealth Resounds to share musical cultures and continue to support the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra. We are excited to see her continue to inspire and engage communities across the Commonwealth, using the arts to address significant global issues. Stay tuned for more updates on Ellen’s activities and initiatives in her new role.

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Rotary’s Music Relay Song for Peace

7th February 2024

We are excited to be performing a leg of the relay at the upcoming Rotary Peace Conference 2024, February 10th, in London. The event promises an innovative addition to its program: a special musical performance by the young composer and arranger, Oscar Brown (16). Attendees can anticipate an evening of harmony and inspiration as we share our latest project with the world. This is designed to resonate with the conference’s theme of promoting Positive Peace.

A notable aspect of the musical program is Rotary’s collaboration with the Commonwealth Resounds, which will showcase a global musical relay. This collaborative effort aims to spread messages of peace and unity worldwide through the language of music. The inclusion of music in the conference underscores Rotary’s commitment to exploring diverse avenues for promoting peace and understanding.

Attendees are encouraged to join this unique musical experience and witness firsthand the transformative power of music in fostering global harmony. You can find out more by visiting The Rotary website here.

Play On: supporting music making in Lagos, Nigeria

18th October 2023

Kunbi’s Music Company

Play On: supporting music making in Lagos, Nigeria

This year we’re supporting Kunbi’s Music Company through our Play On fund, specifically their Making a Difference (MAD) Initiative, which seeks to provide affordable music making opportunities to families who would otherwise not be able to have music lessons.

We asked Kunbi Osinoiki, Co-Founder and CEO to tell us more about the MAD Initiative.

Can you tell us something about music making and education in Nigeria?

Nigerians love music and we have artistes like Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Wizz Kid, David O, Tems, Rhema and so many more, who have popularised Nigerian music and who have millions of fans worldwide.

However, the majority of our musicians have had to, at some point in their lives, enrol in music schools outside of Nigeria in order to refine and enhance their skills. Music tuition in Nigeria is predominantly by rote. The cost of purchasing musical instruments and tuition is out of reach of the majority of the population.

How does KMC support young people?

We launched the Making a Difference Initiative in June 2022, with the aim of widening access to music tuition to children in Nigeria.

We have been able to provide financial assistance to families who could otherwise not afford music tuition, deliver lessons in low-income schools and recruit and train intending music teachers so they are better equipped to teach music effectively to children.

How did the Making a Difference Initiative come about?

In the course of my music education journey, I became keenly aware of the power of well-structured music education to help develop a learner’s cognition, character, courage, creativity and confidence and I became burdened by the limited opportunities available to families in Nigeria to access well-structured music lessons.

So in June 2022, I decided to do something about it, and started reaching out to schools in underserved communities to see how we can provide music tuition to their students.

This led us to working with various schools including a school for children with physical and learning disabilities.

That experience led us to fundraising for, and purchasing Africa’s first Soundbeam, which would allow us to provide inclusive music making experiences for children living with disabilities.

What are the next steps for the Making a Difference Initiative?

Thanks to ABRSM Play On funding, we have been able to establish two new centres, from where we will be able to reach more people in those locations.

We have instituted a scholarship programme for teenagers starting in September 2023, where we are looking to provide tuition-free lessons for up to 40 teenagers in our teen band and choir groups.

We are also looking to provide low-cost training for more music educators that would enable them to become properly certified with internationally recognised exam bodies.

Visit KMC’s website at https://kunbismusiccompany.com

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ALS and Spark for Life Fundraising Concert

27th September 2023

Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life and ALS Awareness Fundraiser concert with the Commonwealth Resounds

To celebrate the International Day of Older Persons and the International Day of Music, we are delighted to partner with CommonAge to create a special concert to help raise funds for the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life and research into ALS a form of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Performers from each Commonwealth Region have given their time to put this event together.

We are delighted to support both these charities. The Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life aims to humanise care for people with dementia. They create a culture where people with dementia feel valued, loved and supported.

Join us on Sunday 1st October, for the launch this special concert.

It is free to watch for all. In return, we ask that you consider making a donation to these brilliant charities using our link here.

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Video will be released at 6:00 BST Sunday 1st October 2023

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Introduced by Jane Seymour OBE

Global Ambassador for Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life

Jane starred in the film Ruby’s Choice. It tells the story of Ruby, a woman living alone with early dementia and its impact on her and her family when she moves in to live with them.

This ground-breaking film received the award for Best Picture from the Australian Screen Industry Network for 2022. Just recently, the film received two prestigious awards at the 2023 Burbank Film Festival for best feature film and best foreign feature film.

In addition Jane Seymour was honoured with the award for Best Actress for her outstanding authentic and perception-shifting portrayal of Ruby.

Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life was the charity associated with Ruby’s Choice and supported its production with advice about dementia.

Headlined by international renowned Heerraa Ravindran

Award-winning singer-songwriter from Malaysia.

Heerraa is a voting Member of the esteemed Recording Academy (GRAMMYs®). With a powerful and dynamic musical style, Heerraa has garnered widespread acclaim for her soul-stirring performances and profound songwriting.

Having toured new music in the US, Heerraa has performed in Nashville, Atlanta, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Boston.

Named one of Prestige Malaysia’s 40 Under 40 for the most successful, innovative, and influential young people, Heerraa’s repertoire includes her song, “The Girl Who Loved”, which was featured on Simulacra 2’s Original Game Soundtrack, as well as receiving the Best in North America (Pop) Award for her song, “Feel Alive”, & ICON Award at the InterContinental Music Awards 2022 in Los Angeles.

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Concert Programme

Introduced by:
Jane Seymour OBE

Speaker:
Dr Vivienne Cox,
63-year-old bio scientist and amateur singer explains how her life has changed since her recent ALS diagnosis.

Speaker:
Nilanjana Maulik,
Secretary General, Alzheimer’s and Related Disorder Society of India, Calcutta Chapter, Spark of Life Master Practitioner and CommonAge Fellow, explains how the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life has changed lives in India. It includes a beautiful musical rendition of a poem written by Tagore, a Nobel Prize for Literature winner.

Performer:
Heerraa Ravindran, from Malaysia.

Performer:
The Joy Gospel Singers, from Malta.

Performer:
Devon Packer, from Canada.

Performer:
The Phoenix Collective, from Australia.

Speakers:
Richard Semanda, Founder, Geriatric Respite Care Foundation, Uganda, Spark of Life Master Practitioner and CommonAge Ambassador
Jesca Nakibirango, Founder of Rise and Shine Dyslexic Organisation, Uganda and Spark of Life Master Practitioner explains how the Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life has changed lives in Uganda.

Performer:
The Pan African Choir ‘Malaika’, from Uganda.

Raising funds for Charity

While the concert is free to watch, we invite you to make a donation, which will be split between our two chosen charities, Dementia Foundation for Spark of Life an independent Australian-based charity supporting leaders around the Commonwealth, and the world to provide excellence in dementia care, and Music for ALS, which will fund research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Donate now!