Commonwealth Service 2023 - Westminster Abbey
The level of talent and skill displayed by the performers was truly remarkable, and it was an absolute pleasure to witness such an impressive performance.
Recently, The Commonwealth Resounds was asked by The Royal Commonwealth Society to find a group of talented young instrumental musicians to perform at Westminster Abbey on Monday, 13th March, just before the Commonwealth Service. After careful consideration, we decided to partner with the Royal Academy of Music Junior Department, who consistently produce some of the most promising young musicians in the country.
We would like to extend a special thanks to John Hutchins, the Director of Music at RAM, and Susan Torke, the Director of the Wind Quintet, who worked tirelessly to prepare a beautiful programme of music. We also had the privilege of inviting Tiana Oberoi, a brilliant young Indian singer, to join the ensemble.
One of the highlights of the performance was Tiana singing “Ari We Ari,” a traditional folk song from India arranged by Tom Kirby, aged 18, who studies at The Purcell School for Young Musicians in Hertfordshire. The programme also featured other items arranged and composed by young Commonwealth composers, including Laila Arafah, Maddy Chassar-Hesketh, Edward Tait, Chloe Harrison, and Felix Ho.
The performance was a resounding success, with the audience left in awe of the level of talent and skill displayed by the performers.
Yuliia Chorna of the BBC Events Team said:
“I am writing to express my sincere gratitude on behalf of the BBC Events Team for the exceptional performance delivered by The Royal Academy of Music Junior Ensemble at the Commonwealth Observance Day service held at Westminster Abbey on the 13th of March. The level of talent and skill displayed by the performers was truly remarkable, and it was an absolute pleasure to witness such an impressive performance.”
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all those involved in making this event a success, including the Royal Academy of Music Junior Department, Tiana Oberoi, and the young Commonwealth composers who contributed to the programme. We are excited to see what the future holds for these talented young musicians and look forward to supporting them in their musical journeys.