Samoa 2024

8th August 2024

Join Us for an Unforgettable Musical JourneyCHOGM 2024 in Samoa

CHOGM 2024: Samoa

Our Partnerships

We are thrilled to collaborate with the National University of Samoa and SolFa Music to bring you an extraordinary programme of musical events. This partnership aims to celebrate the rich musical heritage of Samoa and the wider Pacific region, offering a unique platform for cultural exchange and musical innovation.

During CHOGM 2024, our partnership presented a series of events that included live performances, interactive workshops, and insightful presentations. Together, we aim to create a lasting impact on the musical landscape of the Commonwealth, fostering new opportunities for musicians and cultural enthusiasts alike.

Our Projects

Commonwealth Music Relay

Featuring the best film and video performances from Commonwealth countries, live performances, an Interactive World Map, and the Grand Final Music Relay Performance in Samoa.

Commonwealth Music Conference

Discussing livelihoods and educational opportunities for musicians living on the Pacific islands.

Side Events for CHOGM and the Commonwealth People’s Space

Including musical performances, presentations, discussions, and collaborative music-making.

Music Workshops and Training Programmes

Supporting those who are training young Samoan instrumental musicians and singers.

Showcasing traditional instrument-making from Samoa and the Pacific

Selected traditional instruments will also be used in the Samoan performance of the Commonwealth Music Relay

A Commonwealth Gala Concert

Saturday 26th October

Selected highlights from the whole week of Commonwealth musical performances, to create an exciting, musical ‘coda’ for CHOGM 2024

Rotary’s Music Relay for Peace

8th May 2024

Welcome to Rotary’s Music Relay Song for Peace!

As part of The Commonwealth’s Year of Youth 2024 project, we are challenging musicians and composers throughout the Commonwealth and around the world to take part in a unique musical relay. Rotary are supporting this event and we are delighted to see their leg of the Relay coming together.

Rotary’s Music Relay Song for Peace was based on our original song, Symphony, and composed by Oscar Brown, a 17-year-old singer/songwriter from Cornwall, England.

We would love to see Rotarians from around the world encouraging schools, musicians and other organisations to create their own versions of the Rotary’s Music Relay Song for Peace and submit as part of this worldwide relay and to be featured on our interactive world map which will be on display at the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHoGM) meeting in Samoa later this year.

Calling all Rotary’s young musicians, singers and composers in schools throughout the Commonwealth!

  • Would you like to have your music performed in a world class venue?
  • Would you like to have your music promoted from your own country and heard all over the
    world?
  • Do you want to inspire other young musicians in the 56 Commonwealth countries?

If the answer is YES – then Rotary’s Music Relay Song for Peace is for YOU!!

On the back of our extraordinary Queen’s Platinum Jubilee project in 2022, which was heard around the planet and broadcast live on the BBC from Buckingham Palace, and numerous media platforms throughout the world, we’re launching our latest creative musical challenge for the Commonwealth.

This time we are opening up our project in two categories:

 

  • Young musicians, singers and composers under the age of 18 on 1st September 2023.
  • Young musicians, singers and composers aged between 18 and 40 on 1st September 2023.

The starting leg of the relay was produced by young composers, living in the five regions of the Commonwealth. Siri from India, Jahfari from Antigua and Barbuda, James from Australia, Jacob from Malta and Ajiri from Nigeria. They created the song in online workshops, led by professional songwriters, Pam Sheyne & Richard Harris with composers, Jack Pepper & Alison Cox.

Listen

January 01, 2021
12:00 AM

FIRST OF ALL – we would like you to listen to Oscar’s Rotary Song for Peace, called  ‘A Thousand Voices‘.

Create

January 01, 2021
12:00 AM

Next, you should use the song as INSPIRATION for your own performance or creative musical idea.

Choose one of these two different ways of using it:

EITHER

You can arrange the song ‘A Thousand Voices’ and sing or play it in your own way. This can be in a different language if you want.

OR

You must use fragments of the lyrics and the music from ‘c’ to make up (compose) your own piece of music or song which will be a VARIATION of the original.

Here are some helpful tips for arranging and composing your music

FAQs
Sheet music and lyrics
Helpful hints

Record

January 01, 2021
12:00 AM

Film or record your new version of the song

Then you should film yourself (this can even be on a mobile phone) singing or performing your own music. This doesn’t need to be a studio recording or have much cost involved.

See our top tips for recording your music.

Upload

January 01, 2021
12:00 AM

Send us your music

You will need to send your music to us. There are lots of different methods to achieve this. Please share your files using any platform you are comfortable using. Google Drive, WeTransfer, Apple, 

Submit your content here

Pass it on!

January 01, 2021
12:00 AM

Pass your own music on

Share this project with others! We’re going to be tracking this relay around the world and will be looking at how the music has been passed from one musician or group to another so that it reaches every country in the Commonwealth.

Pass your own music onto another school or musician and ask them to make a variation of YOUR music!

Don’t forget to send them a link to this page!

commonwealthresounds.com/relay

 

What will happen next?

  • 10 entries will be specially selected by a panel of experts to be performed in a very important concert during Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa!
  • All suitable pieces of music submitted will be posted in our ONLINE GALLERY where the young composers will be celebrated and promoted.
  • Every piece of music submitted will form part of our Commonwealth Music Relay which will run around the world and around each country.
  • You will appear on our interactive world map – wherever you live in the Commonwealth.
  • Please click here for more ideas to help you write your own music
  • Fill in our easy application form
  • We will be very excited to hear from you. Have fun writing your music!

Time to the final performances CHoGM 2024 in Samoa!

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

Start thinking now

 

give yourself plenty of time

and send us your entries

as soon as possible!

Submit your content here

The Tony Gilbert Fund

The Tony Gilbert Fund

10th August 2023

Tony Gilbert’s Fund for Young Composers

Donate nowApply to the fund

A new fund is to be created in Tony’s name, to help provide composition lessons, either in person or online, for young people in the UK and overseas who could not otherwise afford them.

It will be a particularly fitting tribute to Tony, who would often quietly and generously use his own personal resources to help young composers (and sometimes performers too). He would always do this anonymously, and many people do not realise to this day that Tony was contributing to their musical development in this way.

Tony’s family has agreed that the fund will be run by Alison Cox’s charity, which is called ‘The Commonwealth Resounds’. This organisation is a fully registered charity and an accredited NGO, which supports music education with a special focus upon musical composition.

If you have any questions or suggestions, are sending funds from overseas, or wish to send a cheque by post, please feel free to email Alison Cox alison@commonwealthresounds.com

Commonwealth Music Relay – Archive

Commonwealth Music Relay – Archive

12th March 2023

The Music relay has now closed

Find out about our latest relay project here...

Commonwealth Dance Relay
A huge thank you to all the incredible young musicians, singers, and composers from across the Commonwealth who took part in the Commonwealth Music Relay!

Together, you created a truly inspiring musical journey that connected the 56 nations of the Commonwealth through creativity and collaboration.

 

About the Commonwealth Music Relay

Building on the success of our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee project in 2022 — broadcast globally from Buckingham Palace — the Commonwealth Music Relay invited young musicians worldwide to take part in a unique musical challenge.

Two age categories were included:

  • Under 18 (as of 1st September 2023)
  • Aged 18–40 (as of 1st September 2023)

The project launched with an original song, ‘Symphony’, composed by five young artists from different Commonwealth regions:

  • Siri (India)
  • Jahfari (Antigua and Barbuda)
  • James (Australia)
  • Jacob (Malta)
  • Ajiri (Nigeria)

The young composers collaborated in online workshops with professional songwriters Pam Sheyne and Richard Harris, along with composers Jack Pepper and Alison Cox. The song was then arranged and performed by pupils from The Purcell School for Young Musicians.

 

Listen to ‘Symphony’

How the Relay Worked

Participants were invited to respond creatively in two ways:

  • Arrange the original song ‘Symphony’ in their own style, including translation into other languages
  • Compose a new piece inspired by elements of ‘Symphony’, creating a variation

The Journey of the Relay

Musicians across the globe not only submitted their own music but also passed it on — starting mini-relays and creative exchanges in schools, communities and countries around the world.

What Happened Next?

  • Outstanding entries were selected for live performances at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa
  • Every submission was added to our interactive map, showing how far the music travelled

Thank You

The Commonwealth Music Relay has been a joyful celebration of youth, creativity, and global unity through music. We are proud of every participant and look forward to future projects where young voices continue to be heard around the world.

  • Show all
  • Commonwealth Music Relay Leaders
  • Commonwealth Music Relay Composers
  • Commonwealth Music Rotary Relay Performances
  • Commonwealth Music Relay Performances
  • Leaders
  • Performances

Listen

January 01, 2021
12:00 AM

FIRST OF ALL – we would like you to listen to this song, ‘Symphony‘ written by young composers living in the five regions of the Commonwealth, arranged and performed by school-aged pupils from The Purcell School for Young Musicians.

Create

January 01, 2021
12:00 AM

Next, you should use the song as INSPIRATION for your own performance or creative musical idea.

Choose one of these two different ways of using it:

EITHER

You can arrange the song ‘SYMPHONY’ and sing or play it in your own way. This can be in a different language if you want.

OR

You must use fragments of the lyrics and the music from ‘Symphony’ to make up (compose) your own piece of music or song which will be a VARIATION of the original.

Here are some helpful tips for arranging and composing your music

FAQs
Sheet music and lyrics
Helpful hints

Record

January 01, 2021
12:00 AM

Film or record your new version of the song

Then you should film yourself (this can even be on a mobile phone) singing or performing your own music. This doesn't need to be a studio recording or have much cost involved.

See our top tips for recording your music.

Upload

January 01, 2021
12:00 AM

Send us your music

You will need to send your music to us. There are lots of different methods to achieve this. Please share your files using any platform you are comfortable using. Google Drive, WeTransfer, Apple, 

Submit your content here

Pass it on!

January 01, 2021
12:00 AM

Pass your own music on

Share this project with others! We're going to be tracking this relay around the world and will be looking at how the music has been passed from one musician or group to another so that it reaches every country in the Commonwealth.

Pass your own music onto another school or musician and ask them to make a variation of YOUR music!

Don't forget to send them a link to this page!

commonwealthresounds.com/relay

 

  • Show all
  • Commonwealth Music Relay Leaders
  • Commonwealth Music Relay Composers
  • Commonwealth Music Rotary Relay Performances
  • Commonwealth Music Relay Performances
  • Leaders
  • Performances

Listen

January 01, 2021
12:00 AM

FIRST OF ALL – we would like you to listen to this song, ‘Symphony‘ written by young composers living in the five regions of the Commonwealth, arranged and performed by school-aged pupils from The Purcell School for Young Musicians.

Create

January 01, 2021
12:00 AM

Next, you should use the song as INSPIRATION for your own performance or creative musical idea.

Choose one of these two different ways of using it:

EITHER

You can arrange the song ‘SYMPHONY’ and sing or play it in your own way. This can be in a different language if you want.

OR

You must use fragments of the lyrics and the music from ‘Symphony’ to make up (compose) your own piece of music or song which will be a VARIATION of the original.

Here are some helpful tips for arranging and composing your music

FAQs
Sheet music and lyrics
Helpful hints

Record

January 01, 2021
12:00 AM

Film or record your new version of the song

Then you should film yourself (this can even be on a mobile phone) singing or performing your own music. This doesn’t need to be a studio recording or have much cost involved.

See our top tips for recording your music.

Upload

January 01, 2021
12:00 AM

Send us your music

You will need to send your music to us. There are lots of different methods to achieve this. Please share your files using any platform you are comfortable using. Google Drive, WeTransfer, Apple, 

Pass it on!

January 01, 2021
12:00 AM

Pass your own music on

Share this project with others! We’re going to be tracking this relay around the world and will be looking at how the music has been passed from one musician or group to another so that it reaches every country in the Commonwealth.

Pass your own music onto another school or musician and ask them to make a variation of YOUR music!

Don’t forget to send them a link to this page!

commonwealthresounds.com/relay

 

What will happen next?

  • 10 entries will be specially selected by a panel of experts to be performed in a very important concert during Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa!
  • All suitable pieces of music submitted will be posted in our ONLINE GALLERY where the young composers will be celebrated and promoted.
  • Every piece of music submitted will form part of our Commonwealth Music Relay which will run around the world and around each country.
  • You will appear on our interactive world map – wherever you live in the Commonwealth.
  • Please click here for more ideas to help you write your own music
  • Fill in our easy application form
  • We will be very excited to hear from you. Have fun writing your music!

Playon

Playon

3rd November 2022

Play On

The Commonwealth Resounds is proud and delighted to continue working in partnership with ABRSM to deliver Play On, a sponsorship fund for organisations and projects from non-UK countries around the world.

Apply here
Download the key information document
Apply here

Key Information for Play On funding application

Play On applications are open from 22nd July until 24th September 2025 (5pm UK time). Please read this information carefully before preparing your application for Play On funding to ensure that your organisation meets the relevant criteria and is able to provide the documentation required.

***Grant range: between £1,000 – £5,000***

About ABRSM

In partnership with four Royal Schools of Music, ABRSM carries on a long legacy of musical excellence. More than an awarding organisation, ABRSM supports learners from the first note they play, empowers teachers who help build musical skills and encourages progress around the world.

As a charity, ABRSM also makes significant donations towards music education initiatives globally. They advocate for music and its many forms, playing their part to ensure the future of music education and its place in society.

Together with their partners, teachers and others around the world, ABRSM has been nurturing the future of music since 1889 – to help people start or continue their musical journey.

Funding activity

ABRSM is keen to support organisations that share an ambition to open up opportunities for more people to access and progress in music. We welcome applications from organisations whose projects and programmes:

  • Support ABRSM’s values around diversity and inclusion, musical progression, access and participation, and environmental sustainability
  • Provide high-quality training opportunities for those leading music education programmes;
  • Provide an inspiring and motivational experience for the learner;
  • Provide high-quality music educational value for the learner;
  • Address the barriers to accessing and progressing in music, including, but not limited to, physical, socio-economic and gender-related; including for people from underrepresented backgrounds;
  • Evidence sustainability/continuity of the project;
  • Demonstrate passion and commitment.

Eligibility

  • Your organisation must be registered in your country** and have been in operation for at least two years, as an incorporated company, charity, trust, school or other recognised
    entity;
  • You must able to produce financial accounts that show two consecutive years’ worth of profit and loss, with external audits where available;
  • There must be evidence of previous project work, either via additional documents submitted or on social media platforms or your website;
  • The funding is not available for general running costs of an organisation and must be used for specific projects or programmes;
  • The fund will only support activities or materials that are directly related to music;
  • The fund is not a scholarship programme and is not open to individuals;
  • The fund is open to countries outside the UK only;
  • The fund will not be awarded to the same organisation for more than two years.

There is no requirement for the fund to go towards ABRSM assessments, products or resources.

*Grants above £5,000 may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

**We will consider applications from organisations that are supported by UK-based partner organisations that may act as an intermediary, as long as we can verify the details of the UK partner organisation and the relationship to the applicant.

Tuesday 22nd July 2025

Applications open

Wednesday 24th September, 5pm GMT

Application deadline

March 2026

Public announcement of results

Download the Key Information
Apply here

.Key Information for Play On funding application

Play On applications are open from 22nd July until 24th September 2025 (5pm UK time). Please read this information carefully before preparing your application for Play On funding to ensure that your organisation meets the relevant criteria and is able to provide the documentation required.

***Grant range: between £1,000 – £5,000***

About ABRSM

In partnership with four Royal Schools of Music, ABRSM carries on a long legacy of musical excellence. More than an awarding organisation, ABRSM supports learners from the first note they play, empowers teachers who help build musical skills and encourages progress around the world.

As a charity, ABRSM also makes significant donations towards music education initiatives globally. They advocate for music and its many forms, playing their part to ensure the future of music education and its place in society.

Together with their partners, teachers and others around the world, ABRSM has been nurturing the future of music since 1889 – to help people start or continue their musical journey.

Funding activity

ABRSM is keen to support organisations that share an ambition to open up opportunities for more people to access and progress in music. We welcome applications from organisations whose projects and programmes:

  • Support ABRSM’s values around diversity and inclusion, musical progression, access and participation, and environmental sustainability
  • Provide high-quality training opportunities for those leading music education programmes;
  • Provide an inspiring and motivational experience for the learner;
  • Provide high-quality music educational value for the learner;
  • Address the barriers to accessing and progressing in music, including, but not limited to, physical, socio-economic and gender-related; including for people from underrepresented backgrounds;
  • Evidence sustainability/continuity of the project;
  • Demonstrate passion and commitment.

Eligibility

  • Your organisation must be registered in your country** and have been in operation for at least two years, as an incorporated company, charity, trust, school or other recognised
    entity;
  • You must able to produce financial accounts that show two consecutive years’ worth of profit and loss, with external audits where available;
  • There must be evidence of previous project work, either via additional documents submitted or on social media platforms or your website;
  • The funding is not available for general running costs of an organisation and must be used for specific projects or programmes;
  • The fund will only support activities or materials that are directly related to music;
  • The fund is not a scholarship programme and is not open to individuals;
  • The fund is open to countries outside the UK only;
  • The fund will not be awarded to the same organisation for more than two years.

There is no requirement for the fund to go towards ABRSM assessments, products or resources.

*Grants above £5,000 may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

**We will consider applications from organisations that are supported by UK-based partner organisations that may act as an intermediary, as long as we can verify the details of the UK partner organisation and the relationship to the applicant.

Apply here
24
Jul
2025

Applications opened

24
Sep
2025

Application deadline

Wednesday, 24th September 2025
01
Mar
2026

Public announcement of results

March 2026
Apply here

Contact us

If you have any questions or would like to ask for advice, please get in touch using this form.

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