ABOUT
Momentum supports young, high quality, professional musicians in the first substantial phase of their career. Quality comes first: it is integral that our colleagues and audiences see young artists who are ready to gain recognition and who can occupy the podium with artistic authority. This model has resonance far beyond the classical music industry.
What is Momentum?
Momentum: our future, now is an investment in classical music and of musicians - from the older generation to the younger generation. Born of urgency, Momentum's vision is conceived with long-term staying power.
Created by Barbara Hannigan, Momentum is a growing collective of leading solo artists (singers, instrumentalists, conductors) who have pledged to act now to support young artists in the first substantial phase of their career, with the support of presenting orchestras, organisations, halls and festivals.
The leading artist shares his/her main-stage performance opportunity with a young, professional singer or instrumentalist.
The conductor brings on a young conductor as his/her assistant for the engagement (symphonic or opera), and the assistantship includes the invaluable experience of conducting the orchestra during the rehearsal period.
It is critical that the young professional artist is of high quality, ready to hold their own and occupy the stage or podium with authority, gaining recognition for the next major phase of their career.
An example for soloists:
Bass baritone Florian Boesch is performing a 75 minute recital with a mixed programme, accompanied by Malcolm Martineau. They invite a young artist to perform approximately 10 minutes of the recital with them. The choice of repertoire would complement the overall programme and be agreed with the lead artist and presenting organisation. The young artist receives a fee.
An example for conductors:
Conductor Daniel Harding and the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra invite a young conductor to be Daniel’s assistant for the engagement. This assistantship includes 15-20 mins podium time with the orchestra during the rehearsal week. The young conductor receives a fee.
Who picks the artists and where do they come from?
The leading artist may first and foremost select from his/her own network: for example, a younger artist they have met and/or worked with professionally or through masterclasses, young artist programmes or academies. As the music business, like any other, is based on trust and relationships, personal connections are key.
If needed, Momentum has a number of international partner organisations who can advise and make suggestions from their network of young professional artists and alumni.