“I have experienced such generosity in my own career, and like many artists I’m passionate about giving back. Creating an initiative where we are collectively uniting to share the stage with our younger colleagues, now and in the future, has long-term benefits for all.”

“Momentum is a fantastic initiative and I support it with all my strength! The new generations of musicians need to be supported in these difficult times because simply, they are our future, and we need a better future! Let’s take good care of them, let’s all support Momentum!”

“It’s an honour to share the stage with talented young singers in these very challenging times.”

“All the musicians of my generation were given so much moral support and important advice by our older colleagues. So many of these wise phrases could be life changing if you knew how to pay attention. But in a crisis like this, young musicians need more, and need it quickly and desperately. The opportunities invented in this wonderful scheme will hopefully be even more transformative and will provide a bridge over troubled waters for many magnificently gifted young artists. I’m thrilled to be part of it.”

“Barbara Hannigan’s initiative will, I have no doubt, give many talented young performers a real start. Everyone needs MOMENTUM in their lives and careers! We must all do what we can to support the next generation.”

“I can think of no better way to nurture the enormous musical talent that is facing such a threat in the face of this pandemic. I dearly hope that performers, promoters and audiences alike become used to the idea that opportunities to make music can be shared rather than competed for. We need to help each other now more than ever.”

“> I am incredibly honoured to be involved in Barbara Hannigan’s brainchild Momentum. It works. I reiterate, it truly does work to actively nurture and mentor young musicians on the professional platform. And most importantly, the audience truly understand and appreciate it. Fantastic concept, I only wish I had thought of it, and yet, i can undoubtedly be a part of it.”

“It is a great privilege to join the Momentum initiative as both principal and guest artist; the pianist Joseph Middleton invited me as a young artist for a performance and CD recording project in February, and then in April I had the chance to pay it forward by inviting a Momentum collaborator, cellist Ashok Klouda, to join me as principal artist--again with fabulous collaborator Joseph Middleton as part of Leeds Lieder. Our industry has taken a huge hit, so we have the responsibility to support each other whenever we can! There will be more opportunities for all of us later if we are generous with our platforms now.”

“This is exactly how I got MY start, when Sir Simon Rattle gave me my first professional conducting opportunity.”

“I’m thrilled to support this excellent initiative providing support and opportunity to tomorrow’s brightest musicians. It can be disorientating and difficult starting out, and this initiative will help enormously. I can’t wait to see and hear all the new young talent!”

“Yuriy Yurchuk is an outstanding baritone who was a distinguished member of our ROH Jette Parker Young Artists Programme and I am delighted to have the opportunity to present him in this exciting new initiative, Momentum. It is vital that we all look to support the next generation of performing talent, not least at this difficult time”

“I am happy, proud and inspired to be part of Momentum: In these times of crisis we all as society have the responsibility to keep the performing arts alive, it is an essential part of the soul of our human community. And we, the experienced artists, have to be in the front line of that fight in order to help the younger musicians to flourish and develop. Art and music will always go on. We, the artists, do care.“

“Musicians supporting musicians shows the strength of our community and a bond across borders and generations that can spark hope in testing times.”

I really love the wonderful initiative called Momentum and am truly privileged to participate. In the difficult time of COVID-connected limitations our musical culture has been struggling with, the talented young artists suffer most. This is an amazing opportunity to support them meaningfully and enable them to learn. We will learn from them. The dialogue between all generations must not cease.

“I wholeheartedly add my name to the movement that is Momentum. It would be my honour to support the unbelievable young singers currently trying to start careers at such a difficult time.”

“Coming from a small beautiful city in the south of Spain was not the straightest way to start conducting. But on my path and conviction to learn, I met great and generous artists who helped me. It was the most inspirational and powerful way of finding out how to go on, how to continue in the most genuine way, developing my own path of learning. Ever since, I’m committed to the young generations of artists, always looking for the dialogue and common inspiration. And we need each other more than ever!”

“I was so touched to be invited by Roderick Williams to share his recital at the Snape Maltings as part of the brilliant Momentum Scheme. It was a wonderful opportunity to sing with a live audience for the first time in many months, and watching Roddy was an absolute masterclass for me. Momentum is such a fantastic idea and has been such a life line during this terrible year for freelance artists. I count myself incredibly lucky to have been one of the many beneficiaries.”

« Momentum, c’est tendre la main à un jeune musicien et le soutenir dans ces moments où notre monde musical est si fragilisé. Je suis heureux de participer à cet élan donné par la géniale Barbara Hannigan. »

« Nos jeunes musiciens sont un trésor que nous devons protéger de toutes nos force. Mes amis et moi sommes là pour les aider, dans cette période si difficile, leur permettre de retrouver un public et les accompagner dans leurs projets. Pensons à eux! »

“Momentum is exactly what the world of music needs right now - to support the young talent and keep them going so that our beloved art form and industry survives and thrives for years to come.”

“Thank you for the great chance and the huge opportunity that you and Momentum have given us. It was a dream come true and a night that we will cherish for ever!”

“I felt a huge mix of emotions to have been asked by Malcolm Martineau and Momentum to be a part of this fantastic initiative. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to sing, to learn, and to collaborate after such an isolating and challenging year for so many of us.
It is humbling to be a part of such an outpouring of collective support to young artists which has such strength of feeling, humanity and ambition. Momentum is exactly what the performing world needs both now and in the future too.”

“Yes, some artists are already doing this, but to be part of a collective initiative, it’s not just an honour, it’s a necessity.”

"It takes trust and faith to bring in an unknown young conductor to a professional orchestra, but the exact first step that opens the door hopefully budding a new relationship with the orchestra. This visibility step is often the hardest to obtain in the early stages of an artist's journey. For that, I am eternally grateful to Karina Cannellakis for guiding me into the MOMENTUM scheme and to Barbara Hannigan for initiating the chain reaction with vigor and passion. To me, MOMENTUM is a symbol of unity, empathy, strength, and HOPE."

“The past year has been an exceptionally difficult time for performers and the industry as a whole and I am truly thankful and grateful to have been a part of the Momentum scheme. Besides the financial help, it has also given me belief and has been very uplifting, allowing me to remain positive during these devastating times. I can’t thank Momentum and its mentors enough for their generous support - a truly amazing scheme. Diolch.”

““I was thrilled to be invited by Daniel Harding to conduct the renowned Swedish Radio Choir in concert in the Berdwaldhallen in Stockholm. As someone making the transition from professional choral singer to conductor, this was a wonderful opportunity. It was a privilege to lead these superb singers in performance, under Daniel’s careful guidance.”

“I feel incredibly honored to be a part of Barbara Hannigan’s important Momentum initiative. At this crucial juncture, we all need to work together to lift each other up, and I can think of no better way to channel our collective energy than to help our younger colleagues.”

“Momentum’s geniality comes from its basic, yet primordial principle: intergenerational exchange of knowledge and support. There are so many amazing young musicians, who are not just incredibly talented, but most importantly, ready and eager to engage with the reality of professional musical life. This little push, in such a world situation as of today, is just what is needed. Thank you, Barbara Hannigan, for believing in young musicians like me. Thank you for your outstanding vision and example! A whole generation of musicians will be always eternally grateful.”

“Young up-and-coming musicians are struggling: there are few concerts and possibilities to build a life as a performer.
I am very happy to join Barbara Hannigan`s admirable Momentum program, which I am sure will give a number of young talents some direction and hope for a better future.”

“Thank you so much to Louise Alder, Roger Vignoles, Wigmore Hall, Barbara Hannigan and everyone at Momentum for this incredible opportunity! Wigmore Hall has to be one of the best places in the world to sing, and it was such a joy to share the stage with Louise and Roger, all thanks to the ingenious initiative that is Momentum! In such difficult and trying times at the moment, it was truly special to be making music with world class professionals and sharing the stage with them. What fun to be Louise's husband for the briefest of moments, and it is all still available to stream online. Her balloon boobs may still be on the Wigmore Hall ceiling... Thank you Momentum!! You are making a huge difference to all young artists, at a time when we need it the most.”

“I hope against hope that this admirable project will become superfluous before long; in the meantime I wish it all possible success.”

“I am absolutely delighted to be a part of Barbara Hannigan’s pioneering Momentum scheme. Practical experience plays a huge part in our development as musicians, something that, unfortunately, is often lacking nowadays. As a young conductor, working at close quarters with figures such as Sir Simon Rattle has been crucial in furthering my skills as a conductor, as well as learning from artists at the top of their fields. I look forward to many more inspiring experiences within this community of musicians that is as germane today as it is indispensable for the future.”

“I am very grateful to Momentum for giving me the opportunity to perform with Nicky Spence & Dylan Perez in this concert. I am thrilled to have the chance to learn from and work with musicians of this calibre, particularly after such a difficult year.”

“It’s time to make place for a better place.”

“I want to thank Nicholas Daniel and Barbara Hannigan for offering me the wonderful opportunity of joining Momentum. Sharing the stage with Nick, Sir Bryn Terfel and the Britten Sinfonia at the Barbican was truly inspiring and I will treasure the experience forever. This is such a difficult time for everyone in the musical world, so performances like this are all the more poignant. Momentum brings hope (and concerts!) to young artists at a time when they are greatly needed.”

“ I wanted to say thank you again for the wonderful Momentum Project. It was an amazing week working with Francois-Xavier, with the plus that I had to step in for one of the concerts. That artists of your caliber take the time to help younger musicians gives me hope, things could someday change. I wish to take for example your Momentum for my weeks with the National Symphony in Argentina, to support some young assistant there.”

“It is a real honour to have been asked to take part in a Momentum project. Working with Malcolm is a dream come true and being a part of this project feels like a glimmer of hope during this strange time for artists all over the world. The Momentum initiative is a wonderful idea and I hope many other other artists will benefit from the encouragement and collaboration it offers.”

“I am so thrilled to join the Momentum movement and very grateful to have had the chance to perform at Snape Maltings with Malcolm Martineau and Sir Simon Keenlyside. This has been such a difficult time for all of us, but this scheme has provided me with such a boost of inspiration and encouragement — long may artists collaborate in such an incredibly nourishing way! Thank you to everyone involved in creating this wonderful platform.”

Performing in this recital with Roderick Williams and Susie Allan as part of the Momentum scheme was a hugely inspiring evening for me as an artist in the early stages of my career. To be on the same platform as these world leading artists in the industry was a very proud moment for me and a real boost for my career. […] The recital at Paxton House happened to be my first Song recital since I sang Dichterliebe and Finzi songs in Penzance, Cornwall back in 2019. […] It was satisfying that the programme included so many female composers and a new composition by Sarah Cattley, who was present at Paxton House to see her piece performed. I was lucky to sing one movement of her new Song cycle with themes of nature and travel alongside two songs from Vaughan Williams' Songs of Travel.
Thank you to Momentum for this incredible opportunity.

“Momentum believes fundamentally that the performing arts are essential to the well being and economy of this, or any other nation. We hope that this initiative might at least do something to support and promote the next generation of artists, who are in desperate need of work and wages in these deeply frustrating times.”

“This scheme will undoubtedly help music to endure through the huge generosity of established artists. For this we will always be grateful. To the very best of performers, Roderick Williams and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, what joy it was to live again! Thank you.”

“Never have artists needed to look out for one another as much as we do now. Momentum will help to get more of us back performing as soon as possible.”

“The great musicians of the future will be lost to us all if we don't listen to them, hear them, see them and most importantly support them right now!”

“In this crisis that affects our music industry so incredibly much it is very difficult for us young musicians not to lose the ground beneath our feet and therefore we couldn’t thank Barbara Hannigan and her new initiative Momentum enough for giving us the opportunity to perform on stage alongside amazing established musicians who strive to support the younger generation and help them grow. Thank you!!”

“This is the way to proceed!”

“There are moments when one can feel that the music world as we know it will change. Today is this moment and I believe it will be with the help of MOMENTUM. Supporting the next generation of great musicians in this wonderful way is a win-win situation for absolutely everyone. I feel it is our duty as performers, as presenters and as orchestra managers to be a part of this incredible initiative.”

“Everything that Momentum stands for - quality, authority, investment in the new - is vital not only for young artists but also for our industry and it is a real honour and joy to be part of this movement.”

“Let’s give opportunities to young musicians and also not forget the young composers!“

“I am proud to join Barbara’s fabulous Initiative. There has not been a day that I have not worked at finding opportunities for young artists and for free lance performers during this crises. If one artist can open a door, then its our moral responsibility to keep our foot in that door long enough for others to be able to come through! I refuse to give up, or to be negative. The simple joy of performing is the best gift we can give someone- in that way alone I am proud to give Barbara my fervent support!”

“Momentum is essential to our industry and will solidify the foundation of our most vital music making of the future!”

“What can be more important to a performer than to be able to share. And that is what we've lost during these trying times. Ability to share the excitement of the audience, live sounds of our voices, emotions and the Moment in which the art is created live, alive and living. I am deeply honored to be able to participate in what, I believe, is so brave. In opening the doors - when so many doors are closing. “

“Every musician stands on the shoulders of someone who handed the gift of knowledge and experience to them, and we all need to be grateful by altruistically providing opportunities and paving the way for the next generations who may stand on our shoulders.
A crisis is equally an opportunity and in this world of classical music, where we need heroes even more than ever, one "Wonder Woman Hannigan" rose up and assembled a "Justice League" of musicians and music supporters, to provide light and possibilities for young and emerging musicians.
The world of arts needs MOMENTUM! I believe it will contribute greatly in keeping music alive for generations to come. I, for one, am proudly donning my cape and am committed to ensuring that the momentum of MOMENTUM never stops.”

“I found it extremely moving that in this time when so many in the arts are understandably focusing on their own survival, Momentum has worked so hard to seek ways to help younger artists. Being able to perform after such a long drought was wonderful, of course; but the opportunity to watch and learn from a great artist and then be welcomed wholeheartedly into their performance was unique, and showed me that Momentum’s ethos goes far beyond simple disaster relief.”

“This crisis has slowed the arts down to a crawl. Right now we all need Momentum.”

“It was an honour to be asked to share a recital with Roderick Williams as part of Momentum. I learnt a great deal from him and it was absolutely thrilling to perform for a live audience. I’m hugely grateful to be a part of this game changing initiative. Thank you for providing such far reaching sparks of hope!”

“Younger musicians just starting out always need a real boost, and especially now.”

“As a father, musician, and teacher, I know that sharing and helping is one of the most beautiful things one can do. I did not hesitate a second to join Momentum and will gladly share stage and experience and promote our precious art of making music together with young talents. “

“I am proudly joining this choir of leading musicians, sharing a responsibility of sustaining our community and our future cultural life. I remember vividly what it means to be in the beginning of a career, and therefore I could not resonate more with this excellent idea!”

“The Momentum initiative is a great, important and needed thing right now. I’m happy to be on board my dear friend Barbara Hannigan’s great move, doing my part in supporting our younger generation!”

“I am proud to support this wonderful initiative. I will always feel grateful for the support I received as my career was developing. As a musician and now also as an administrator, transmission has been at the heart of my identity. Now more than ever, in these troubled times, there needs to be a bridge of solidarity between generations.”

“As a young singer at the beginning of a career in the midst of a pandemic, it is exhilarating and inspiring to be working alongside established professional musicians. I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn and am so grateful to be a part of Momentum.”

“I am happy to be a part of Momentum to be able to take concrete action in helping to protect future artists and this artform. With this Covid-19 crisis, opportunities for emerging artists are even more scarce, which jeopardizes both the artist's future directly and the future of opera. Thank you, Barbara, for creating a way for our community to make a positive impact on future generations of fans and artists.”

“What a memorable evening with the great Carrie-Ann Matheson and Benjamin Bernheim under the sparkles of the Eiffel tower! A huge thank you to both of these wonderful artists, and to Barbara Hannigan for initiating Momentum and helping the next generation of artists during these uncertain times. We need music more than ever. Longue vie à la musique, longue vie à Momentum!”

“I am absolutely delighted to be part of Barbara Hannigan’s Momentum initiative. It is vitally important that we give a voice to the next generation of musicians. What better way than sharing a platform with them? I can’t wait!”

“Es ist des Lernens kein Ende. Everyone benefits from more information and experience. Momentum is just the sort of thing we need to bring this to people's attention.”

“As a born and bred South Londoner who spent his teenage years queueing for the gallery at the Proms and getting cheap tickets for the LSO at the Barbican, the opportunity to work with two icons of my musical upbringing: Sir Simon Rattle and the LSO, is quite literally a dream come true. I’ve learnt so much this week and the generosity of spirit and encouragement of both Sir Simon and the orchestral members was as humbling as it was moving. I feel very very lucky and hope this scheme can go on to help many more young musicians like me!”

“The world of music is always evolving, and one consequence of the Covid time we are living through is the robbing of opportunities for the next generation of musicians. The collective clipping of wings of so many talented young Conductors is something I find particularly upsetting.
Therefore the support Momentum can offer these talented young people, by way of facilitating assistantships and the garnering of knowledge and experience, is one I wholeheartedly support.”

"Collaboration is at the heart of music making and the spirit of sharing underpins Momentum, making this initiative extremely valuable, now more than ever. I am so thankful to Barbara Hannigan and Malcolm Martineau for inviting me to join this project. To feel supported by the Momentum scheme offers hope for the future and I’m honoured to be part of the first Momentum recording."

“"As the musical world begins to wake up after lockdown, it is imperative that established artists form a new infrastructure alongside cultural hubs. Practitioners of the future must be nurtured and their voices heard. It is vital that a generation of artists are not silenced by lack of opportunity. Barbara's inspired and much-needed initiative offers possibilities for the most exciting of collaborations.”

“Momentum has stepped in to support young artists at a critical time, and I cannot thank them enough for it. An idea so simple, yet, fundamental, it’s amazing it didn’t exist already! Having the opportunity to record with Malcolm was a dream come true and will stay with me for a long time.”

“I truly am so grateful to have had an opportunity to perform with Roderick through Momentum. Not only was it an honour to sing beautiful music and share a stage with him, but it was also so inspiring to watch a master of their craft, and it definitely affected my performance up on stage for the better. I hope this brilliant practice of raising artists up through collaboration continues, as I believe it could foster much kinder and equitable work. Thank you again, Momentum!”

“So great to be able to help young artists but also to be inspired by them!”

“Offering quality work and developing opportunities to young artists underpins so much of what we do and is at the heart of my vision as Artistic Director. The benefits are both obvious and unforeseen. We clearly need each other throughout the performing arts as never before. Supportive and honest communication about how we can all make the Covid era an opportunity not just a disaster is our challenge and hope.”

“Cette initiative brillante est née du constat de la situation professionnelle des jeunes musiciens suite à la pandémie. J’espère qu’elle se poursuivra bien au-delà de la crise actuelle tant elle profitera autant aux artistes, parrains ou parrainés qu’aux producteurs et salles de spectacle mais aussi et surtout au public.“

“I am really happy and very proud to be part of this Momenum journey. Regarding the troubled times we are all passing by, we, as young artists , are really affected , and there is no other initiative like Momentum to help and support us, to give us the opportunity first of all to be on stage and then to share it with and learn from an accomplished artist.”

"A noble and brilliant idea for musicians to help musicians. I am sure all of us: artists younger and older, audiences and presenters will benefit from sharing, investing in the future and helping create a richer and more vibrant world of music. Thrilled to participate in the Momentum initiative.”

“So proud to be part of Momentum. We, the artists, have the moral duty to help the younger upcoming generations to be able to shine, especially in this difficult moment in history! I embrace this idea and initiative full-heartedly!”

“Explorers and their navigators have, since prehistoric times, relied upon knowing the precise point of where we are along with the knowledge of from where we have come, in order to effectively chart a way forward towards the unknown. In this way, “Momentum” addresses the need for this universal process by preparing those who will boldly lead the way forward, by tapping the very foundation of our cultural value system: the active passing of knowledge to new generations such that they might foment new perspectives. A timely program, specifically relevant to our actual, unsettled times which opens towards the next chapters of the 21c.”

“Conducting is an art that you must my learn by doing, and yet, no one will hire you unless you’ve done it: it’s a Catch-22! That’s why Momentum is such a ground-breaking and needed initiative. When an established conductor invites you to work with them, and beckons you to the podium of a major orchestra, even a few minutes can make all the difference in your confidence, the orchestra’s confidence in you, and in launching your career. My experience assisting Barbara Hannigan with the London Symphony Orchestra has reaped many benefits, and I’m so grateful to her for investing in me, and in the future of classical music.”

“I feel incredibly lucky to have taken part in this brilliant and timely initiative. It has been hugely beneficial! Getting to perform alongside Roderick Williams at the Brighton Festival the same day live audiences were allowed back was just so special. But it also gave me a focus, something to look forward to and keep me artistically motivated in the middle of the pandemic, and for that I’m extremely grateful!”

“It is such an honour to be part of the Momentum initiative and share the stage with Roderick Williams.
Especially during such a challenging period, it is reassuring that there is a platform for artists that seek to find a way to create new opportunities.”

“Amidst a sea of cancellations and disappointments, joining Roderick Williams for two performances of Winterreise was an absolute treat. To explore and perform this great cycle with such an inspiring artist was truly life-affirming, and I’m so grateful to Barbara Hannigan and Momentum for making it possible. Art and music can feel like luxuries at a time like this, but the Momentum initiative, in allowing artists to return to the concert platform and to share the stage with great colleagues, has reminded me of the absolute necessity of creativity.”

“I am so grateful to Momentum and especially to Roderick Williams for inviting me to share the stage with him and pianist Susie Allen for two song recitals in July 2021. It has been a great honour to perform with such artists, and to perform before an audience again after an unprecedented time. I am proud to have been part of such an initiative and this support means so much to me at this time.”

"It’s at this perhaps darkest point of our cultural history that we should set priorities right - the future belongs to the young! We - artists who have been privileged and lucky enough to establish ourselves professionally in corona-free times - have to extend our help to those younger ones who are coming to replace us sooner or later, and make sure they get a fair chance to express and prove themselves now, when a lot of the opportunities to do so have been cut short by the pandemic’s deteriorating influence on the cultural life across the globe. By giving only 15-20 minutes of orchestra time to our assistants (in case of assistant-conductors) on each project we aren’t losing nearly as much as they are gaining so let’s do it. Let’s convince more orchestras and opera companies to do it regularly! After all, the star of such a great artist as Leonard Bernstein (just to mention the most famous case) could shine brightly only after he replaced Bruno Walter at the podium of NYPO at the shortest possible notice ..."

“As one of the initiators of the National Master for Orchestral Conducting at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague I have been introducing young conductors from all over the world to orchestras - wherever I go - since many years already , and I am delighted to participate in Momentum’s plan to help young conductors at the early start of their career whenever possible.
MOMENTUM: a wonderful chance for young conductors to experience music making with professional orchestras.”

“It’s an enormously exciting opportunity to share the stage with such brilliant musicians and I’m very grateful to Nicholas Daniel for inviting me to become a Momentum artist. As a young musician, it’s incredibly inspiring to play alongside artists of this calibre, as well as being a great honour. There is so much to be absorbed musically, but concerts such as these also offer a unique chance to meet some wonderful people.”

“Many younger musicians starting out at this time are confused and lost and dispirited. I hope that Barbara Hannigan’s brilliant Momentum initiative may give them inspiration to continue in their sacred quest for a life devoted to music and to thrive doing so. I’m honoured to be a part of it and I have a whole cohort of great oboe artists to share with the world.”

“In my professional life, the time I've spent discovering and nurturing young talent has been as rewarding as my own performing, if not more so. In these uncertain times, we need to do everything possible to create paths for new artists to show the public who they are. I am thrilled to join forces with Barbara's inspired initiative.”

“I feel so lucky and honoured to have been invited to take part in the incredible Momentum Initiative. Having such high-profile performance opportunities and vital exposure has always been difficult for young artists at the start of their careers, but the current circumstances have completely taken away from us the chance of getting on stage and making ourselves heard and noticed.
It is very moving to see that so many renowned artists have stepped up and are willing to share the few performance opportunities they have at the moment with younger musicians. Having the chance to share the stage with Roderick Williams and some other outstanding young artists in a few performances of Schubert's Schwanengesang was an utterly inspiring experience that I will forever be grateful for. A huge thank you to Barbara Hannigan, Roderick Williams and the whole team behind the Momentum Initiative. I hope I will have the chance to pay this forward later in my career.”

“I believe that mentoring younger artists and nurturing tomorrow's talents should be a fundamental part of every professional musician: this is even more true during these challenging times, when performance opportunities are getting less frequent.
It is extremely important for emerging artists to get the right occasions to showcase their talent and potential, and I am very much looking forward to make music at the Opéra Royale de Wallonie-Liège.
My most heartfelt gratitude goes to Maestro Scappucci and Momentum for this great opportunity!”

“That was such a great honor, to be invited to work with François-Xavier Roth and with Orchestre National de Lille. It was a great possibility, to learn from the work of this great musicians. Many thanks to François-Xavier Roth and to Momentum for making it real!”

“Now more than ever it is vital that young artists get as much exposure to live performing as possible. Through Momentum, they will have the opportunity to do this, and it will be such an enormous pleasure to share the stage with them.”

“Humans are at their very best when working together and sharing advice and opportunities, and this brilliant scheme harnesses all of those things together at a time when they are most needed. Momentum got me back on stage in front of a live audience for one of the first times in nearly 7 months, for which I'm hugely grateful. I hope the ethos that powers this project will continue to pervade the industry well past the pandemic. Thank you!”

Serving as Assistant Conductor to François-Xavier Roth and the Gürzenich Orchestra Köln through Momentum was an incredible experience that impacted me profoundly both musically and culturally. Conducting can be such an isolating and protective profession but Momentum's beautiful emphasis on mentorship, connection and generosity is much-needed to nurture the next generation of conductors and musicians. FX Roth was an absolute joy as a musician and teacher, and I feel so lucky to have been a part of this invaluable program and can't wait to pay it forward! Thank you!

“Momentum has quickly come to represent the best of our corner of the musical world by creating opportunities that reach out across apparent boundaries in our field of work. I was overjoyed to work with Roderick Williams on Schwanengesang; to play a part in and to learn from his performances, rehearsal processes and deep insight in this repertoire was unforgettable and invaluable. Thank you.”

« Momentum, c’est une initiative dont j’aurais rêvé quand je commençais ma carrière. Je suis ravi de me joindre à ce magnifique projet mené par la si inspirante Barbara Hannigan, et de pouvoir contribuer à offrir aujourd’hui aux jeunes musiciens ce que j’aurais moi-même aimé recevoir à mes débuts ! »

“Momentum was a very real glimmer of hope in the midst of what feels like an existential crisis for the classical music world. A week working closely with both a conductor and an orchestra that I greatly admire was pedagogically invaluable, and a welcome reminder that the arts are here to stay.”

"La création du Programme Momentum est pour nous, jeunes artistes, une véritable chance ! Je suis très touchée d’avoir été invitée par Sabine Devieilhe et Alexandre Tharaud pour partager un moment musical avec eux, au Théâtre des Champs Elysées. En ces débuts de carrière tourmentés, le soutien des artistes confirmés auprès de la nouvelle génération est précieux. Un grand merci à Barbara Hannigan d’avoir initié ce programme guidé par le partage et la générosité.”

“As a conductor, I think the experience of making music is an exchange of energy between me and the musicians, and then in turn with our audiences. I enjoy welcoming young conductors to attend my rehearsals, to be my "eyes and ears" in the concert hall, witnessing this moving energy. This is invaluable for me as a conductor and for them, as they build on their repertoire, experiencing the unique moment of rehearsal and strengthening their trust.
Now, more than ever, our young conductors need this encouragement.... and I need to give back everything that has been given to me. I wholeheartedly embrace the “Momentum” initiative, knowing that it will help establish the careers of these talented young musicians”

"Barbara Hannigan's generosity has made this project possible, which is an act of absolute kindness and solidarity. These values are what should always be linked to music and what we as musicians should promote, especially at a time like the present where opportunities have been almost totally reduced due to the pandemic”

“I am pleased to share my gratitude to Momentum-Projekt, Barbara Hannigan and François-Xavier Roth, thanks to them the experience I had last week with the BRSO as Assistant of François-Xavier Roth was one of the most exciting and fascinating experiences of my life. One of the best orchestras in the world, assistant to one of the best conductors in the world with a programme of exquisite architectural-musical sophistication. I was definitely living one of the greatest dreams!

After that dark period caused by CODIV-19, there was gratitude in everyone's eyes that they could make music again. The orchestra radiated the joy of being able to perform Mozart's Symphonies Nos. 39 and 41 and Anton Webern's rarely played Op. 24. The joy was obviously shared by FXR after this very long period of enforced silence, and my joy was comparable to that of a child in a huge candy shop, surrounded by charming colours and exquisite flavours.

The Momentum Project is a path of light for young (and older) musicians who, in this time of dark silence, are looking to resonate the notes of their soul.

Thank you very much MOMENTUM!”

"Hopefully someday I will have the opportunity to repay all the generosity I have received from Michelle DeYoung and Barbara Hannigan. Thanks to Michelle for trusting me in every way and giving me the opportunity to stand next to her on stage. Thanks to Barbara for her personal support to the cause of the young generations."

“As I was making my first steps as a professional musician, the great mezzo soprano Marilyn Horne asked me to join her for a recital. It was my first big gig and it changed my life. I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to ‘pay it forward’ to talented young musicians who need our support now more than ever. Thank you, Barbara, for rallying the troops during this crucial time for our industry!”

“I am so pleased to be a part of Momentum. The start of a career in classical music has always been a challenge but even more so right now. I am so happy be able to support young artists as they begin their journey.”

“t’s hard enough in normal times for young, brilliant artists to get a foot-hold in the profession: in this environment it’s nearly impossible. Momentum is a brilliant scheme I’m honoured to support, and it will allow this generation the opportunity to thrive.”

“Having the possibility to share the stage in beautiful halls with such incredible musicians is not only an unforgettable experience and inspiring for me but also an amazing opportunity to present ourselves, especially in these hard times where the possibilities are very limited. Thank you Barbara Hannigan and her initiative “Momentum” for the willingness to help and support us young musicians!”

“We can and must do it, in order to keep the aspiration alive within the artists of tomorrow, at the threshold of important investments for their own future and for which we represent a point of reference, even in this moment of reflection and the epochal conversion of production and use of Art.”

“The idea behind Momentum is unbelievably powerful because it is both simple and universal. Young musicians want to be heard by an audience and endorsed by their more experienced colleagues. I hope this will become THE new standard. I am extremely grateful to Barbara and the Gothenburg Symphony, and I cannot wait to pay it forward.”

« Aujourd’hui plus qu’hier, la solidarité entre artistes est primordiale, vitale. Puisse Momentum renforcer chez nous tous, artistes, directeurs, théâtres et festivals, la conscience et la volonté nécessaire, mais aussi soutenir les initiatives qui existent déjà, pour que le spectacle et la musique continuent d’être donnés à ce niveau d’excellence! »

“I was over the moon to be invited as a Guest Soloist on Sir Bryn Terfel’s Songs and Arias UK Tour. It was an extraordinary experience for me, not only to sing in prestigious venues and recital halls that I grew up attending such as the Bridgewater Hall but to sing alongside @bryn965 himself. It was a thrill to sing together, performing duets such as Quanto Amore from Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore and Anything you can do, I can do better from Annie Get Your Gun.

To collaborate with Bryn in this way has been invaluable to me as an artist at the beginning of my career. Getting to feel the energy on stage and hearing the audiences’ response has been out of this world. I cannot thank Momentum enough for supporting me financially on this tour. This initiative is so important to give a platform to the next generation of musicians.“

“Getting to work with the National Symphony Orchestra of Argentina assisting Mariano Chiacchiarini has been an unforgettable and incredibly formative experience. I am truly grateful to Momentum for your help in making this happen, and for the invaluable and inspirational support you offer so many artists. It is experiences like these that are extremely pivotal in a young artist's career and at the same time hard to come across, so I truly cherish Momentum's generosity and vision.”

“Momentum has been a symbol of hope and positive change as we find our way out of the pandemic. It was an absolute privilege to be invited to share the stage with Roderick Williams, as well as other Momentum artists Ella Taylor, Themba Mvula and Ana Manastireanu. To do so on the very first day of live audiences being allowed again was magical.”