Future Talent is proud to announce the release of RISE: Past, Present and Future Talent, a groundbreaking album showcasing original compositions by exceptional young musicians from diverse backgrounds across the UK. Set for release on streaming platforms on April 11, 2025, the album celebrates 20 years of Future Talent's commitment to nurturing and supporting gifted young artists from low-income backgrounds.
April 11, 2025
Future Talent is proud to announce the release of RISE: Past, Present and Future Talent, a groundbreaking album showcasing original compositions by exceptional young musicians from diverse backgrounds across the UK. Set for release on streaming platforms on April 11, 2025, the album celebrates 20 years of Future Talent's commitment to nurturing and supporting gifted young artists from low-income backgrounds.
A vision of creativity and humanity in a changing world Nitin Sawhney’s role extends beyond curation - he has composed musical interludes that bridge the young musicians’ pieces, weaving their unique voices into a cohesive, thought-provoking narrative. At the heart of this journey is an AI-generated voice, which humorously yet poignantly reflects on what it means to be human. Sawhney explains: “The AI voice is a humorous thing, but there’s a sense that they have lost something… and perhaps we should have valued humans more.”
Through RISE, Sawhney highlights the power of individuality, creativity, and connection in a world where technology is advancing faster than ever. His role, he emphasises, is not to impose but to guide: “I get so much from seeing young people who are this talented. If a painting is already working then you frame it, you don’t try and scribble all over it, and it’s the same thing with a fresh young mind… It’s my role to be a facilitator for what is possible within them, and to ask them the question, what is it you want to say?”
Featured compositions and artists
"Destiny’s Journey" – A filmic orchestral composition by Sam Nutter, 16, inspired by cinematic composers like Hans Zimmer, performed by the Hallé and the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain.
"WORDSONG(I Celebrate)" – A captivating piece by Maddy Chassar-Hesketh, a BBC Young Composer Competition winner, blending electronic sampling with acoustic sound. Featuring the world-renowned VOCES8 and cellist Avram Harris, this composition transforms everyday moments into something extraordinary.
“Shkoyach" –A Klezmer-inspired composition by cellist and award-winning young composer Avram Harris.
"Evie" –An energetic string quartet composed by Carlotta Vitaloni, inspired by a special pet dog.
"Reel One" – An energetic blend of jazz, Latin, and funk influences by pianist and trombonist Ben Abraham, who has performed Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the Trinity Music Academy Orchestra alongside professional musicians from Chineke! Orchestra.
"Serendipity" –A collaborative piece by 12 young musicians, aged 10 to 17, in partnership with Leeds-based South Asian Arts UK, led by Tar-Shehnai and Dilruba virtuoso Kirpal Singh Panesar. The composition expresses gratitude and joy through a fusion of traditional South Asian sounds and contemporary musical elements.
"Wait and See" – A jazz and folk-infused piece by Scottie Thompson, a21-year-old Future Talent alumnus.
"Patterns" –A rhythmic composition by twin brothers Nahuel and Yuma Angius-Thomas, who have performed with ensembles including Chineke! Junior Orchestra and Tomorrow’s Warriors Young Ensemble.
"Hold Me Down" – The debut single by 16-year-old singer-songwriter and guitarist Jimmy Judge, performed by his band, The Greensands, alongside Future Talent musicians. Inspired by Radiohead and Wunderhorse, the track blends alt-rock and indie influences. Jimmy received mentoring from Harry Judd (McFly)and Kyle Simmons (Bastille) as part of the development process.
RISE Live at the Roundhouse Marking 20 years of the charity’s work, Future Talent will host a special concert titled RISE: Past, Present and Future Talent on April 22, 2025, at the Roundhouse in London, where the album will be performed live. This one-of-a-kind event will showcase performances by Future Talent musicians and alumni, alongside special guests including the renowned Kora player Seckou Keita and the Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble VOCES8. Hosted by TV and radio personality Alexander Armstrong, the concert promises to be a unique celebration of musical talent and collaboration.
Tickets available at: Roundhouse.org.uk
For press information contact Natasha Covill via natasha@futuretalent.org / 02080370272
For promotional enquiries please contact ellie@allaboutpromo.com
About Future Talent
Future Talent is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting gifted young musicians from low-income backgrounds. Founded 20 years ago by Katharine, HRH Duchess of Kent, and Nicholas Robinson, the organisation provides financial support, guidance, and performance opportunities to help young talents realise their musical ambitions. More information on Future Talent and the RISE project: www.futuretalent.org/rise
