Our first full day back in Antigua has been non stop, full of preparations and performances. After rising early due to the jetlag and enjoying a morning swim. The team started the day by getting to know one another better, planning at breakfast and generally swapping stories and experiences that have brought us closer together. Their camaraderie will be essential as we prepare for the composition workshops we’re looking forward top delivering this week we’re aim to unlock the creative potential of the young musicians we’ll be working with.

In the afternoon, we had the pleasure of meeting up with the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra (ABYSO) once again. The reunion brought us together to rehearse for the evening’s big event; the final concert of the summer series at the American University of Antigua.

The concert was attended by the Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams, and Her Excellency, Karen-Mae Hill, the High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda. Performing with ABYSO was certainly our highlight of the day. It was a real treat to see them again. We were so impressed by the progress the young musicians have made since our last visit. They have always demonstrated incredible drive and determination to achieve, and delivered an outstanding performance. Our team was honoured to share the stage with them.

Joined by the Antiguan Youth Choir, it was clear that this event was more than just a concert. The evening left us inspired and motivated for the days to come.

Day 2 has set a wonderful tone for our time in Antigua. With exciting workshops on the horizon, and the joy of making music together, we cannot wait to see what the rest of the week will bring.

We set off today to begin our latest visit to Antigua. Meeting in Gatwick airport very eaerly in the morning, our day started with a flurry of introductions as we gathered the team of students and graduates from conservatoires and top universities. Building new friendships and setting the stage for our adventure ahead.

The journey to Antigua was a mix of eager conversations and quiet reflections. After travlling across the North Atlantic ocean our plane descended, the stunning views of the island welcomed us, the sounds of the steel pan greeted the visitors at St John’s Airport.

To shake off the travel fatigue, we headed straight to the beach for a refreshing swim. The waters of Antigua provided the perfect remedy, rejuvenating our bodies and minds. There’s something magical about swimming in the Caribbean Sea;

As the sun began to set, we gathered for a casual dinner of pizza, sharing stories and laughter. It was a simple yet perfect way to start our visit. The evening allowed us to bond as a team, setting a positive tone for our time together on the island.

The next few days promise to be packed with activity and inspiration. We will dive into advanced composition workshops, working closely with young musicians from Antigua & Barbuda, St Kitts & Nevis, and Montserrat. We will revisit friends from the Antigua & Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra (ABYSO) as they prepare their summer concerts.

We are particularly excited about blending traditional Caribbean music with contemporary compositions, creating a unique and vibrant soundscape.

Day 1 was all about new beginnings—meeting our fellow adventurers, experiencing the beauty of Antigua, and laying the foundation for the friendships and collaborations that will shape our journey.

Jamie Smith

We are delighted to announce the return of Jamie, a highly versatile British composer, conductor, and arranger, for his second visit to Antigua. Jamie is currently studying composition at the Royal College of Music under Kenneth Hesketh and Simon Holt, while also studying tuba with Pete Smith. His exceptional talent was recognised in 2023 when he won the BBC Young Composer of the Year for his piece “Into Oblivion” for voice and electronics. In collaboratiion with the UCL’s Biome Health Project, he was commissioned to write for the BBC Concert Orchestra, drawing inspiration from artist Luke Jerram’s ‘Gaia’ —a replica of our planet created using detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface. He looks forwards to a performance on Saturday 7 September in Nottingham’s Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms Across the UK series.

We are pleased to introduce Ka Youn Yoo, an exceptionally talented composer from South Korea, as one of our key tutors for the upcoming Commonwealth Resounds initiatives. Ka Youn has just graduated with a master’s degree in Composition for Screen from the Royal College of Music (RCM).

Her compositions have earned her international recognition, with premieres at prestigious venues such as Cadogan Hall in London, The Korean Ministry of Unification (대한민국 통일부) and National Gugak Center (국립국악원) in South Korea, Dobříš Castle in the Czech Republic, and Government House in Antigua and Barbuda. Her global experiences and innovative approach to music make her a remarkable addition to our team.

Ka Youn is actively involved in the film industry, working on several short films with emerging directors in both the UK and Korea. She is represented by Lemon Sound, a notable music production company based in South Korea. This collaboration highlights her dynamic range and ability to bridge different cultural and artistic landscapes.

This will be Ka Youn’s second tour of Antigua and Barbuda, where she will once again contribute her expertise and passion for music to inspire young musicians on the island. Her return is highly anticipated, and we are excited about the creative energy she will bring to our workshops and performances.

Ka Youn is returning to Antigua & Barbuda for her third tour, having been a member of the composition team where she led training sessions for teachers in the island. This year, Ka Youn will lead workshops in film composition, supporting students from across the Caribbean. We look forward to the incredible impact she will have on the young musicians of Antigua and Barbuda.