Rosemary Ball

We are thrilled to welcome Rosemary Ball, a gifted saxophonist, currently studying at the Royal College of Music (RCM) as a Robert Sutherland award holder. Rosemary joins our upcoming trip to Antigua. The former Saxophonist with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, Rosemary is halfway through her undergraduate course at RCM and is eager to share her passion for music with the young musicians of Antigua.

Rosemary has expressed her excitement about the trip: ‘I’m especially looking forward to getting to know the young musicians and the way they think about music. I hope we all can inspire them to unleash their creativity and experiment with new styles of music.’

The Antigua trip will feature a series of composition workshops and performances aimed at fostering creativity and musical growth among young musicians.

The Commonwealth Resounds is delighted to welcome Rosemary Ball, an exceptionally talented saxophonist from the Royal College of Music, to our Antigua trip. Rosemary’s passion for music and dedication to education make her an invaluable addition to our team. Her presence is set to inspire and enrich the experience of all participants, fostering a deep love for music and creative expression among the young musicians of Antigua. We are excited to see the positive impact she will have on this initiative, helping to cultivate a vibrant and innovative musical community.

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.

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.

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.