We are the British charity raising funds for the Antigua & Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra — putting instruments into young hands and opening doors that music education makes possible.
On the twin islands of Antigua and Barbuda, hundreds of young people have the ambition to play — but not the means. Since 2018 the Antigua & Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra (ABYSO) has changed that, and Friends of the ABYSO exists to make sure British supporters can be part of the story. Every pound we raise crosses the Atlantic as instruments, lessons, and life-changing opportunity.
We fund the practical things an ambitious youth orchestra needs to thrive in the Caribbean.
Violins, cellos, brass and woodwind are loaned to members — because 95% of young players could never afford their own. We fund purchases, strings and spares.
Weekly lessons in theory, chamber music and instrument-specific coaching, plus sectional and full-orchestra rehearsals led by dedicated tutors.
The tropical climate is hard on instruments. We help fund an instrument-repair training programme so the orchestra can maintain its own fleet.
Building local capacity so every instrument has a specialist tutor — a model designed to last long after any single donation.
Support for masterclasses, guest artists and performance opportunities that raise young players' sights and skills.
Keeping the programme free at the point of entry, so a child's talent — not their family's income — decides who gets to play.
“In 2018, I sat in the audience listening to an ABYSO concert and knew that I wanted to be on that stage one day. Today, I'm a proud ABYSO trombonist and the first musician in my family.” — Orlando Gordon, ABYSO musician
Friends of the ABYSO is a UK-registered charity that raises money, awareness and friends for the orchestra in Antigua. We handle Gift Aid, corporate partnerships and fundraising here at home — so that supporters in Britain can give with confidence and know exactly where their money goes.
Whether you give once, give monthly, or bring your company on board as a sponsor, you become part of a young musician's story.