Music is life: the growth of classical music in Antigua & Barbuda

By HE Karen-Mae Hill, Antigua & Barbuda High Commissioner to the UK and Northern Ireland

With so many genres of music in the Caribbean, most of them with their roots in the African motherland, classical music played by a symphony orchestra may not be the first type of music that springs to mind when thinking about the region. And in creating the Antigua & Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra (ABYSO), the organisers were keen to challenge the stereotype that classical instruments, and by extension classical music, were reserved only for the well-to-do in society. Formally launched in April 2018, the ABYSO is now in its fifth year and boasts a full complement of musicians from all the major instrument families: woodwinds, brass, percussion, strings and voice. Although it first began with just 21 students, it now has over 200 members, with 64 musicians forming the orchestra itself. ABYSO is the brainchild of Antigua & Barbuda’s High Commissioner in London, Her Excellency Karen- Mae Hill, herself a classically trained pianist. In 2017, she was instrumental in bringing the world-famous musical family of Antiguan heritage, the Kanneh-Masons, to the twin islands to feature in a musical production titled Playing to Inspire, along with several local string musicians. The interest this generated ignited the passion for seeing the dormant Youth Symphony Orchestra rebirthed once more a year later.

Studies have long shown that musical education provides multiple positive benefits for young people. Not only does it expose them to opportunities and people they may not have otherwise encountered, but it also develops critical skills like self-discipline, time management and teamwork, and an appreciation for different cultural backgrounds and personalities. Conflict resolution and self-confidence building are other important attributes developed through musical education. Another key motivation for the creation of ABYSO was to provide young people with a positive outlet to steer them away from negative influences. It also opens up the possibility of forging a career in music. With this in mind and with the mission of providing the highest calibre of instruments, musical education and performance opportunities to all citizens regardless of their socioeconomic or musical background, ABYSO is open to anyone between the ages of five and 29.

In creating the Antigua & Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra (ABYSO), the organisers were keen to challenge the stereotype that classical instruments, and by extension classical music, were reserved only for the well-to-do in society

Although ABYSO provides its students with a knowledge of classical music, it is also keen to keep Antiguan and Barbudan culture on display throughout its various performances. Commissioning scores arranged and/or composed by Antiguan musicians, featuring Antiguan folk and traditional songs, and including indigenous instruments like the steelpan are all ways patrons are treated to a seamless blend of various musical styles and genres that go beyond the classical repertoire.

Learn more about the ABYSO at www.abyso.org or follow us on @abysomusic.