« 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! »

“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.”

“"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.”

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

"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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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 ! »

"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!”

“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.”