Indian Classical Scholarship Launched at Charterhouse Gala

On 26 October 2021, we hosted our first gala in two years at The Charterhouse, featuring a world prèmiere from Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Nishat Khan, including performances from a variety of our talented young musicians.
October 29, 2021

In October, we were grateful to be able to host our first live, in-person event in almost two years!

Set in the palatial grounds of The Charterhouse in London, some of our gifted young musicians treated supporters to a special evening of musical delights.

Starting in the remarkable cloister of the 14th Century building, Welsh harpist Cerys welcomed guests in with a set of beautiful melodies. This was followed by a concert in the Great Hall, opening with a stunning carnatic violin performance by Vivek, and followed by more breathtaking music from pianist Zev - a graduate of the 2020/21 Junior Programme, and flautist Cliodhna, who joined Future Talent this year.

Zev impressed with a mature performance of Frédéric Chopin's Polonaise in C# Minor Op.26 no.1

A highlight of the evening followed Vivek's performance, when Chairman Nicholas Robinson announced the launch of the charity's new Indian Classical Scholarship, and proceeded to award the first ever Scholarship to violinist Vivek. Working with organisations across the UK who specialise in Indian Classical music, such as our partners South Asian Arts UK, Future Talent will provide support to numerous young musicians from an Indian Classical musical background each year.

Vivek enraptured spectators with a stunning Carnatic performance

The concert was completed with a unique performance by Future Talent Ambassador, cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason and renowned sitarist Nishat Khan. A world première, Fantasia of the Auroras Illuminé was composed by Nishat Khan and commissioned by Future Talent patrons Ravi and Anindita Gupta.

Future Talent Ambassador Alexander Armstrong quizzed the pair on the piece's influences as the two virtuosos gave some fascinating insights into their composition and rehearsal process.


After dinner, guests competed against each other for a selection of prizes, each donated generously by our partners and supporters. Prizes included stays in beautiful accommodation in Gascony, Whitby and Dubai, a live Classic FM experience with Alexander Armstrong and a beautiful painting, signed and painted by Dame Judi Dench herself.

Providing crucial funding for the delivery and continued growth of our Development and Junior Programmes, we are very grateful for all who contributed to this wonderful evening.

Thank you to all our supporters, friends and partners for their continued generosity. If you would like to help us support more gifted young musicians from low-income backgrounds, you can make a donation by clicking here.

Remember - on 30 November-7 December, we will be participating in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, where all donations will be doubled. Sign up to our newsletter to receive updates from the campaign and support us!


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