Sharing Musical Skills: Antigua and Barbuda!
Find out about our 2024 trip hereWant to know more about 2025?The Commonwealth Resounds is delighted to share musical experiences with young musicians in Antigua and Barbuda. In collaboration with UK conservatoires and specialist music schools, we have supported the nurturing of young musical talent in the islands of Antigua and Barbuda following the devastating Hurricane Irma in 2017.
In 2019, as part of the Commonwealth’s 70th Anniversary celebrations, we created an exciting new training/skill-sharing programme for young musicians with the High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda, the Royal Over-Seas League and the Purcell School for Young Musicians.
During the Pandemic, visits to the island were limited; however, we are delighted to be returning with a new generation of musicians in 2023 – watch this space for updates!
Hurricane Irma hit Antigua
Commonwealth Resounds began their first project
First meeting of Alison Cox MBE & Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua project starts to take shape
First international musician visits
Go Compose Antigua!
Pandemic online tuition
2020-2023
Return to Antigua planned
2023
The team assembles and begins to plan the first return trip after the pandemic to collaborate with the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra (ABYSO)
Project news
Day 2 in Antigua in pictures
Antigua and Barbuda Day 2
In Pictures
Day 2 in Antigua
Day 2 in Antigua
Hello from Antigua! Day 2 greeted us with a stunning sunrise, the perfect remedy for the lingering jetlag that had everyone up and about by 4 a.m.! Luckily, the soothing blues of the Caribbean Sea were waiting for us. After an early morning dip, the aroma of a delightful Antiguan breakfast wafted across the beach, fresh mango is definitely the perfect start to a day.
As we bobbed and swam in the crystal-clear water, we soon discovered we had company. To our delight, we spotted a stingray, gliding with a gracefulness that was captivating to witness. Nearby, a Caribbean cushion starfish lay on the sandy floor, its bright colour a striking contrast to the pale seabed, serving as a wonderful reminder of the vibrant and diverse life beneath the sea’s surface.
Revitalised by our morning swim, we redirected our focus to the day’s musical exploits. In the afternoon, our driver Charles ferried us to the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, a place usually echoing with the excitement of cricket, but today, it hummed with a different kind of rhythm. The Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra (ABYSO) was deep into their rehearsal when we arrived, their dynamic music filling the air with an electrifying energy.
We dispersed into our respective sections – strings, wind, brass, and percussion – each group dedicated to refining their parts, the stadium reverberating with the harmonies of each instrument in practice. The high point of our afternoon was a composition workshop led by our own Reuben and Connor. Their knowledge and enthusiasm for music were contagious, guiding us through the intricate process of composing and fine-tuning a musical piece. We were introduced to an experimental piece by the innovative composer, Pauline Oliveros. This immersive, exploratory composition tested our boundaries, and performing it together fostered a deeper connection amongst us and with the music.
As the afternoon sun cast longer shadows, we reconvened as a full orchestra, prepping for the forthcoming concerts. Under Maestro Roland’s baton, we practised for the performances on the 15th of July at the grand Weatherills Estate and the 16th at the Fisheries Complex on Barbuda. The orchestra is evidently in excellent shape and eager for the grand finale performances just a few days away.
Upon our return to the hotel, our string quartet assembled to prepare a special performance for the breakfast TV show ‘Antigua and Barbuda Today’ on ABS Television the following morning. It’s a thrilling chance for some of our string players to put together something fresh and new. Tomorrow also sees the first ever teacher CPD event for composition within Antigua. We’re looking forward to sharing more about these exciting developments tomorrow!
Day 1 in Antigua in pictures
Antigua and Barbuda Day 1
In Pictures
Day 1 in Antigua
Antigua and Barbuda Day 1
Today was an exciting day for the 21 musicians travelling to Antigua with The Commonwealth Resounds, an organisation dedicated to the promotion of music and musicians across the Commonwealth, as we set off on a cultural exchange to the captivating island of Antigua.
Our day kicked off at Gatwick Airport, with the group meeting in person for the first time, full of anticipation and excitement. Instruments in hand and spirits buoyed, we were primed to embark on our adventure. We would like to pause to thank British Airways for their help getting all our instruments onto the plane.
On touching down in Antigua, we were greeted by Claudine and Karen Mae, The High Commissioner of Antigua. Their warmth and hospitality radiated through the welcome, we’re very grateful for their warm welcome and look forward to sharing our musical cultures.
The pace immediately picked up as our wind quintet was ushered to Pointe 99.1fm, where we had the opportunity to join the Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, on his well-known evening programme, Browne and Browne. Alison and Reuben spoke at length on the station about our plans and excitement whilst we are here. Discussing all things music with Colin O’Neil the conversation was positive and he really emphasised the power that music can bring to all our lives, be that academic, social or just for our own pleasure. It was amazing to hear about all the musical opportunities that the island offers and shares with the world. This platform offered us more than just an introduction to Antiguan society; it was a precious opportunity to share our musical passion with the nation.
With the group struggling to fit into the studio. Our wind quintet, just one small component of The Commonwealth Resounds group, enchanted listeners with a captivating Disney medley.
As the programme closed, we were introduced to King Goldie, a Barbudan who plays a fabulous home-made instrument. Using waste materials he created a banjo like instrument out of a butter tin and shaft of wood found nearby, a wonderful way to use music as an environmental power for good. He performed the popular redemption song to which the entire studio sang along with joy.
Prime minister, Gastone Browne, thanking the group for their performance just hours after stepping off the flight from London.
During the programme, the Prime Minister spoke about his support for the arts, a sentiment that was heartening to hear. The arts are a bedrock of any society, and knowing they hold a place in the island’s leadership discussions underscored the significance of our cultural exchange.
We’ve hit the ground running with our cultural exchange. The maiden day perfectly encapsulated the mission of The Commonwealth Resounds. It showcased the power of music and culture to build bridges, foster understanding, and resonate with the shared spirit of humanity. The warm reception we’ve received matched the weather and the evident appreciation for the arts have set the tone for what promises to be a deeply enriching journey ahead.
Hamish walks for the Commonwealth
Hamish Walks to Antigua!
One Step at a Time: Hamish's 56km Commonwealth Walk to Antigua!! Donate now
When you think of a nursing student, you might imagine someone studying hard, dedicated to the wellbeing of others. Hamish, a nursing student soon to join the NHS, is no different. Yet, he has also taken on a unique challenge to share a love for music and take part in an exciting cultural exchange.
In an awe-inspiring show of dedication, recently, on the 14th May 2023, Hamish completed a 56km walk. Each kilometer symbolising one of the 56 Commonwealth countries. His goal? To raise funds for the upcoming Commonwealth Resound’s collaborative project in the island of Antigua this July. This project will see Hamish joining with the Commonwealth Resounds team as they join the talented young musicians of the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra (ABYSO). ABYSO is a group of talented and committed young musicians who share our goal to bring music to all corners of the Commonwealth. The team are looking forward to learning from the musicians of the island and exchanging their rich musical cultures.
However, this journey cannot be completed without your support. Hamish is inviting you to be a part of this project by contributing to his fundraising campaign. Your support will enable Hamish to work with ABYSO and will also help spread the message of unity and musical collaborations that the Commonwealth Resounds stands for.