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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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)

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

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.

Gabriel leads a jazz workshop looking at how rhythm can be used and cross rhythms created!

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

Jamie leads the instrumental composition group.

Ka Youn and Ellen preparing for their TV and Radio interviews

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

The team from Montserrat and St Kitts & Nevis

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.

Calynia, Ellen and Ka Youn on ABS Radio

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

Our fusion course mixes words and music.

The Film group exploring Ka Youn's latest creation

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

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

The fusion course presenting their music

The team leaving Gatwick airport ready for their adventure in Antigua

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

Students are supported and work together with our musicians to create new music they are proud of.

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.

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

The Sir Vivien Richards Stadium looking incredible under the Antiguan sunshine.

The jazz students with Reuben and Rosie the tutors

The TCR team on their tour of Antigua

Calynia and Alison on Antigua Barbuda today

Ka Youn introduces the music and film course

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

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

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

The Commonwealth Resounds team outside the ABS TV Studios

A Caribbean Sunset at Jolly Beach

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

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

Lucy and Lily recorded some of Composer Ka Youn's works at Jolly Beach just after a quick evening swim in the sea!

Sir Vivien Richards Cricket ground where the course is taking place

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

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

Musicians preparing to demonstrate

The team join together to perform with ABYSO

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

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

The Montserrat musicians

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

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

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

“

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

”

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.

“

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.

”

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

WhatsApp Image 2024-08-03 at 17.28.14

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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Ka Youn presents her score "Fairytale Lullaby"

Ka Youn recording and conducting her own composition

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

Ka Youn Yoo

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

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

Ka Youn Yoo

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

Antigua 24 Day 8

29th July 2024

Antigua Day 8

2024

Day 8 culminated in a packed concert at Lucky Eddie’s in English Harbour, attended by His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, High Commissioners Their Excellencies Karen-Mae Hill and John Hamilton MBE, along with many other distinguished guests and proud parents. The concert was a tremendous success, showcasing the hard work and talent of all the participants.

Following the concert, everyone enjoyed a wonderful meal at the restaurant, which provided a perfect opportunity for students from all the islands and the team to socialise and discuss future plans. Conversations ranged from university study to vocational training, covering topics from mental health to law. The consensus was clear: the week of music had instilled a newfound confidence in everyone, empowering them to tackle any challenge they might face.

Peter chatted with several students from Montserrat and Antigua, who expressed their delight at attending the course. They felt significantly more confident and were eager to return to their countries to teach using the techniques they had learned.

The standout performance of the night was a collaboration with the Montserrat group. They joined the entire TCR team on stage to sing “One More River to Cross,” a powerful narrative of the journey to escape the Soufrière Hills Volcano. This performance highlighted the resilience of the Montserrat people as they fled the volcanic eruption that destroyed the capital city, Plymouth, and dramatically reduced the island’s population. The emotional lift that music can provide, even through the hardest of events, was evident to all.

Day 8 was a fitting finale to an incredible week, leaving everyone inspired and ready to achieve great things in the future. The students will be returning to their homes across the Caribbean, the team returning to the UK. Everyone has grown through this incredible experience and looks forward to building this relationship in the future. Watch this space for future developments!

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

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

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

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

The jazz students with Reuben and Rosie the tutors

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

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

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

The St Kitts & Nevis team

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Find out more about our 2024 Antigua Trip

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Antigua 24 day 7

23rd July 2024

Antigua Day 7

2024

After the visit of the Governor General yesterday, we were delighted to welcome 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. They engaged with the group at length, learning about the course from both students and tutors.

A feeling of excitement was already in the air before their visit, Reuben had demonstrated his Korean Drum as part of the fusion composition group, the compositions were coming together and rehearsals allowed students from Antigua & Barbuda, St Kitts & Nevis, and Montserrat to hear the entirety of their works for the very first time.

During our breaks, Venelle Powell from St Kitts and Nevis introduced us to some local Caribbean fruits, including soursop, sugar apple, and sugar cane. The variety of flavours and types of fruits were amazing. The sugar apple was a fleshy fruit with seeds that you sucked on before spitting out the seeds once the flesh had been eaten. The soursop was deliciously sour and very soft, while the sugar cane was brittle—you bit off a small piece, sucked out the juices, and then spat out the leftover cane. We were surprised to find that the sugar cane also doubles as a toothbrush!

Final preparations meant the film group truly experienced the pressures of a recording session. This was invaluable professional development, as the realities of film composition often require strict deadlines. The students were well-prepared and managed to complete everything within the allotted time!

After the completion of the course, we cleared up the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium before heading back to the Jolly Beach Hotel, where we rehearsed and made our final preparations for tomorrow’s 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.

Lucy and Lily recorded some of Composer Ka Youn's works at Jolly Beach just after a quick evening swim in the sea!

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

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

Reuben shows off his Korean drum

Wondering what is happening in the photos? Click on the photos above to find out more about what you can see.

Find out more about our 2024 Antigua Trip

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