Messiaen – Quartet for the end of time
October 20, 2020
Clare Taylor
By Alexander Soares – Pianist at St Paul’s Cathedral 23rd October 2020 This peculiarity mirrors the astonishing gestation of the work: Messiaen was summoned for military service at the start of World War II, captured in May 1940 and taken to the prisoner-of-war camp at Görlitz, with the first performance given in front of a […]
A New Partnership
October 12, 2020
Clare Taylor
Picture: Emile Holba City Music Foundation announces a New Partnership with Barts Heritage Barts Heritage is an organisation formed in 2019 for the preservation, restoration and maintenance of the unique and historic buildings at Barts Hospital. Its new CEO Will Palin started in November 2019 and is in overall charge of the project to repair […]
St Pancras Clock Tower concert series – live broadcasts
June 8, 2020
Clare Taylor
In spring 2020 in reaction to the lockdown, City Music Foundation announced a brand new series of live concerts broadcast from the St Pancras Clock Tower every Wednesday at 6pm which started on 17th June. Find the full list of concerts on the CMF Presents page here. These concerts are of very high quality, both […]
The Hidden City Project
May 28, 2020
Clare Taylor
CMF was one of twenty organisations selected to be portrayed in the Culture Mile’s Hidden City Project, alongside key Culture Mile partners Barbican, LSO, Museum of London, GSMD and the City of London Corporation itself. Culture Mile is the City of London’s vibrant cultural quarter stretching from Farringdon to Moorgate and including CMF’s home in Smithfield. Photographer Emile […]
Toby Hughes at the vanguard of the ‘solo double bass movement’
January 8, 2020
Clare Taylor
2020 is looking to be a busy year for double bassist and CMF artist Toby Hughes… Having recently recorded his debut album with Champs Hills Records, which is due to come out later this year, and an imminent solo recital performance on Thursday 16th January at St John’s Smith Square, Lucy Thraves of Classical Music […]
Rokas Valuntonis announced Prizewinner of the Osimo International Piano Competition
December 9, 2019
Latana Phoung
Yesterday, the CMF pianist Rokas Valuntonis won the 2nd Prize of the Osimo International Piano Competition in Italy. Congratulations to Rokas for this wonderful achievement which we want to celebrate with the video of his performance at St Bart’s the Great last May!
Samson Tsoy at Wigmore Hall
November 29, 2019
Latana Phoung
The City Music Foundation piano Samson Tsoy is coming back to Wigmore Hall on Monday 2nd December at 1.00pm to perform Bartok’s Sonata for two pianos and percussion with Colin Currie – percussion, Sam Walton – percussion and Pavel Kolesnikov – piano. https://wigmore-hall.org.uk/whats-on/colin-currie-sam-walton-pavel-kolesnikov-samson-tsoy-201912021300 Ahead of the concert, you can listen to his imaginative interpretation of Schumann’s […]
Vacancy: Communications and Events Officer
November 27, 2019
Admin
We’re recruiting for a Communications & Events Officer to join our team based in Smithfield, EC1. We are looking for someone educated to at least degree level with a real knowledge of and passion for classical music (and jazz, if possible), as well as a love of social media and experience in marketing and publicity. […]
Bartosz Glowacki Debut Album Release
November 27, 2019
Admin
Bartosz released his album 22 November following an extremely successful launch at The Old Church Stoke Newington. The evening included artists who performed on Genesis including guitarist Rob Luft, as well as the newly created sand animation film which Bartosz commissioned of Magdalena Suszek-Bąk to accompany his live performance of Vlasov’s Five Views on the […]
New 2019 CMF Artists
October 14, 2019
Admin
PRESS RELEASE October 2019 City Music Foundation announces 2019 CMF Artists City Music Foundation (CMF) is pleased to announce the seven artists joining the CMF Artist Programme as ‘2019 CMF Artists’: Anna Cavaliero (soprano), Echéa String Quartet, Iona Fyfe (folksinger), Mingyuan Ruan (accordion), Iyad Sughayer (piano), Giacomo Susani (guitar) and Rosalind Ventris (viola). Chosen from […]
CMF Proms Auction: bid to win box for 10 people at Prom 46
June 18, 2019
Phil Barrett
Prom 46: Thursday 22nd August 2019, 7.30pm We’re delighted to announce that we are auctioning a box (for 10 people) at one of the most sought-after concerts at this summer’s BBC Proms! Already sold-out, Prom 46 (Thursday 22nd August, 7.30pm) features 2016 BBC Young Musician winner Sheku Kanneh-Mason playing Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor […]
2019 Summer Residency at The Wallace Collection
May 30, 2019
Phil Barrett
CMF returns to The Wallace Collection for our 4th annual Summer Residency. Monday 22nd – Friday 26th July 2019 Featuring six CMF Artists, 2019 sees the residency expanded beyond the popular free lunchtime recitals to include a children’s concert, a performance for dementia sufferers, and an evening concert centred around Schubert’s ‘Trout Quintet’ with guest performer, […]
Sound Unbound: full schedule
May 16, 2019
Phil Barrett
This weekend City Music Foundation is partnering with Barbican and Culture Mile for Sound Unbound, a free music festival taking place in the City of London. This weekend-long classical music festival will explore unexpected spaces across Culture Mile, which stretches from Farringdon to Moorgate in the north-west of the Square Mile, celebrating fantastic music alongside the history and […]
Reviews Round-up for Alexander Soares’s debut album: Notations & Sketches
May 11, 2019
Phil Barrett
Notations & Sketches, the debut album from Alexander Soares was released on Rubicon Classics in January 2019 and features solo piano works by Boulez, Dutilleux, and Messiaen. City Music Foundation is proud to have funded this album, one which has now garnered plaudits from both of the UK’s most prestigious classical music magazines. Gramophone Magazine (Editor’s Choice, May 2019)“Although […]
Vacancy: Communications & Events Officer
April 25, 2019
Phil Barrett
We’re recruiting for a Communications & Events Officer to join our team based in Smithfield, EC1. We are looking for someone educated to at least degree level with a real knowledge of and passion for classical music (and jazz, if possible), as well as a love of social media and experience in marketing and publicity. […]
CMF partners with Barbican and Culture Mile for Sound Unbound
April 9, 2019
Phil Barrett
We’re delighted to announce that City Music Foundation is partnering with Barbican and Culture Mile for Sound Unbound, a free music festival taking place in the City of London Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 May 2019. This weekend-long classical music festival will explore unexpected spaces across Culture Mile, which stretches from Farringdon to Moorgate in the north-west of the […]
A4 Brass Quartet depart on Scotland tour
March 22, 2019
Phil Barrett
Continuing a busy year of concerts throughout the UK, A4 Brass Quartet (2018 CMF Artist) begin a five-date tour of Scotland starting Friday 22nd March. Supported by The Tunnell Trust, the multi-award-winning brass group will travel to Melrose Music Society (22nd March), Ayr Music Club (23rd March), Gatehouse of Fleet Music Society (24th March), Biggar […]
We’re hiring: Artist Manager
February 13, 2019
Phil Barrett
We’re recruiting for a new Artist Manager to join our team based in Smithfield, EC1. The role is wide-ranging, with involvement in every stage of the development of our artists while they are on the two-year CMF Artist Programme. The post-holder will get to know the artists personally over this period, supporting them from the […]
2019 Applications now open!
We’re delighted to announce that applications to become a 2019 CMF Artist are now open. CMF welcomes applications from classical, jazz, folk, and world musicians – both soloists and ensembles – to join our innovative two-year Artist Programme. Starting in September 2019, those selected for the scheme will enjoy: A series of tailored Professional Development […]
CMF Artists to perform at Wigmore Hall
Lotte Betts-Dean (mezzo-soprano) and Andrey Lebedev (guitar) are to perform at Wigmore Hall on Saturday 9th February in a showcase presented by the Musicians’ Company. This showcase concert presents the recipients of the Company’s inaugural New Elizabethan Award, a biennial award for classical guitarists and lutenists for the performance of solo and/or ensemble music, written by […]
Three questions before a recital: A4 Brass Quartet
A4 Brass Quartet answer a few questions ahead of their lunchtime recital at St Bart’s the Less on Wednesday 19th December. When planning our December recital, we immediately thought of A4 Brass Quartet (2018 CMF Artists) – who better to bring us some much needed Christmas cheer! For our final recital of 2018, A4 Brass […]
Alex Hitchcock wins 2018 Peter Whittingham Jazz Award
December 5, 2018
Phil Barrett
Help Musicians UK (HMUK) has announced Alex Hitchcock as the winner of the prestigious Peter Whittingham Jazz Award 2018. Now in its 28th year, the Peter Whittingham Jazz Award offers up to £5,000 for an emerging jazz musician or group to undertake a creative project of their choice that will support their professional development. The award can fund recording, […]
A4 Brass Quartet appointed Honorary Associate Artists of RNCM
December 4, 2018
Phil Barrett
A4 Brass Quartet have been announced as Honorary Associate Artists of the Royal Northern College of Music. The Quartet are one of seven recent RNCM alumni selected for this prestigious ambassadorial role as a result of their outstanding achievements since graduation. They will now play an active role in promoting and supporting the college’s strategic […]
Nominate CMF for £1k charity award!
November 19, 2018
Phil Barrett
Each weekday from 6th to 21st December, insurance firm Ecclesiastical will be giving £1,000 to 10 charities. That’s £120,000 to 120 charities in 12 days! It takes barely a minute to make a nomination – other than a few personal details, this is all you’ll need: Charity Name: City Music Foundation Charity Number: 1148641 Nominate CMF […]
Guide: CMF Artists at 2018 London Jazz Festival
At this year’s EFG London Jazz Festival (Friday 16th to Sunday 25th November) you’ll find CMF Artists at every turn, in venues such as the Elgar Room (Royal Albert Hall), 606 Club, and Kansas Smitty’s, a venue founded by CMF Artist Giacomo Smith. Here’s a quick guide to who, when, and where to find CMF […]
A4 Brass Quartet win RPS Henderson Prize
A4 Brass Quaret have been awarded the RPS Henderson Prize, one of four awards offered by the Royal Philharmonic Society as part of their burgeoning young musicians programme. The Quartet will receive £5000 as a result of the award. Other prize-winners include the Barbican String Quartet, who also receive £5000, and Izabela Musial (bassoon) and Maria Gilicel (violin), who both receive £2,500. Click here to read the […]
Three questions before a recital: Helen Charlston
Mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston (2018 CMF Artist) answers a few questions ahead of her lunchtime recital at St Bart’s the Less on Wednesday 14th November. Hailed as “a rather special mezzo” (MusicWeb International), Helen Charlston’s warm and distinctive tone has cemented her as a key performer in the next generation of British singers. She received first […]
Mentoring in Action: Helen Charlston with Joan Rodgers
October 4, 2018
Phil Barrett
Mentoring has always been a central part of the CMF Artist Programme and for 2018 CMF Artist Helen Charlston (mezzo-soprano) a session with legendary soprano and CMF patron Joan Rodgers was her very first experience of what CMF has to offer. Helen and Joan spent the afternoon together discussing how to build a successful singing career, […]
Three questions before a recital: Gwenllian Llyr
Harpist Gwenllian Llyr (2017 CMF Artist) continues our 2018-19 Lunchtime Recital Series at St Bart’s the Less on Wednesday 17th October. A former prize-winner at the USA International Harp Competition, Welsh harpist Gwenllian Llyr has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and St David’s Hall. Her programme will include works by Debussy, Scriabin, […]
A4 Brass Quartet appear on In Tune
September 26, 2018
Phil Barrett
To mark the announcement of their selection as 2018 CMF Artists, A4 Brass Quartet appeared on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune on Tuesday 25th September. They were interviewed by Katie Derham and played three contrasting pieces by Anton Bruckner, Martin Ellerby, and Percy Grainger. In conversation with Katie, they told her about their plans for the […]
2018 CMF Artists announced
We’re delighted to announce the six artists joining the CMF Artist Programme as ‘2018 CMF Artists’: A4 Brass Quartet Helen Charlston (mezzo-soprano) Toby Hughes (double bass) Ariana Kashefi (cello) Tom Millar (jazz piano) Emily Sun (violin) Chosen from over 150 applicants, these six successful artists were selected through a series of audition stages, culminating in […]
Farewell to Jairo
How time flies! Abner Jairo Ortiz García, our second Mexican International Scholar, has now to come to the end of his time in London with CMF. To mark the end of his stay we organised for Jairo to give a recital at the Residence of the Mexican Ambassador, which provided the perfect opportunity to reflect […]
New Lunchtime Recital Series at St Bart’s the Less
Continuing our relationship with The Hospital Church of St Bartholomew the Less, from Wednesday 19th September we will be presenting CMF Artists in a series of monthly lunchtime recitals, which will run throughout the 2018-19 season. Under the stunning octagonal ceiling of this ancient church (situated within the grounds of St Bartholomew’s Hospital, EC1A 7DS) we […]
Eblana String Trio to perform live on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune
July 17, 2018
Phil Barrett
Ahead of their concerts at Lake District Summer Music (LDSM) at the end of month, the Eblana String Trio will perform live on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune on Tuesday 24th July. Since its formation in 2006, the Eblana String Trio has been performing regularly at music festivals throughout the UK and beyond; at LDSM the Trio will […]
Jairo at halfway!
Three weeks ago, cellist Abner Jairo Ortiz García, our second CMF Mexican International Scholar (sponsored by Anglo Arts), arrived in London for his six-week CMF experience. Now halfway through his time with us, Jairo has (so far!): made his London recital debut as part of our Day of Music at St Bart’s Hospital (pictured below), attended a workshop […]
Looking back on a Day of Music at St Bart’s Hospital
On 28th June 2018 we brought a Day of Music to St Bartholomew’s Hospital. Three events in three historic spaces around the hospital grounds. We started the day with a lunchtime recital in The Hospital Church of St Bartholomew the Less, or ‘the less’ as it’s known. Performing under its stunning octagonal ceiling, Mexican cellist […]
Second International Scholar arrives in London
On 24th June, cellist Abner Jairo Ortiz García, our second Mexican International Scholar, arrived in London for his CMF experience. CMF recognises the importance of international experience in the development of young artists’ careers and are proud of the status of London in the musical world. The CMF International Artist Programme gives us the chance to extend […]
Lotte Betts-Dean introduces Death Speaks
“There is a simplicity and directness to David Lang’s music that draws the listener in immediately” – Lotte Betts-Dean As part of our day of music at St Bartholomew’s Hospital on Thursday 28th June, we’re bringing David Lang’s haunting song cycle death speaks to The Pathology Museum (part of Queen Mary University of London). As the title […]
A Day of Music at St Bartholomew’s Hospital
A hospital may not seem like the most obvious music venue, but walk through the Henry VIII gate of St Bart’s Hospital and you’re soon greeted by a stunning 15th-century church tower followed by a large Georgian square. Journey further in and you’ll discover the hospital’s hidden gem, the Barts Pathology Museum. On Thursday 28th […]
City Music Foundation Data Protection and Privacy Policy
May 24, 2018
Phil Barrett
We are committed to protecting the privacy of your personal data. We will respect any personal data you share with us and keep it safe. We aim to be clear when we collect your personal data and not do anything you wouldn’t reasonably expect. Please read this Policy carefully to understand our practices regarding your […]
CMF awarded 2018/19 Rhinegold Charity Fund
May 22, 2018
Phil Barrett
We’re delighted to announce that CMF has been chosen as the recipient of this year’s Rhinegold Charity Fund. CMF will receive £10,000 worth of advertising to spend across Rhinegold’s flagship classical music publications and websites, including Classical Music, Opera Now and Music Teacher, as well as marketing, design and account management support from Rhinegold. Dr Clare Taylor, CMF managing […]
Meet Michael Foyle
May 7, 2018
Tabitha
Ahead of his performance with the English Chamber Orchestra next week, we caught up with violinist and CMF Alumnus Michael Foyle to talk about Prokofiev, dreaming and Mexico! Tell us something you’ve learned about Prokofiev whilst preparing to perform his 1st Violin Concerto? It is a great time to look into Prokofiev’s life as […]
“I couldn’t have done this project without CMF”
An interview with Tabea Debus Recorder player Tabea Debus launches her third album XXIV Fantasie per il Flauto on 10th April 2018 Commissioning new music is not an everyday occurrence. It takes time and careful planning and there’s still risk involved; there’s no guarantee you’ll get what you want at the end of it! In […]
Lotte Betts-Dean to give Nico Muhly Australian Premiere
March 13, 2018
Phil Barrett
Interview with Nico Muhly: “Write for your friends and behave well” In a few weeks’ time, chamber music will crash against the concrete walls of the Collingwood Underground Carpark. Wedged inside a program of Schumann and Brahms, American composer Nico Muhly’s piece So Many Things will be performed by singer Lotte Betts-Dean and the Penny Quartet as […]
St Bartholomew the Less: a permanent home for CMF in the City of London
At our St Valentine’s Day fundraiser in Mansion House, Sir Nicholas Kenyon (CMF Trustee and Managing Director of the Barbican) gave a short speech outlining plans for an exciting new chapter for City Music Foundation. CMF has been looking for its own space for some time, a place to host our many core activities and […]
St Valentine’s Day – we had a ball!
St Valentine’s Day isn’t traditionally a day for a party, but it is a day for giving. Last Wednesday we hosted a sumptuous event at the Mansion House, kick-starting our fundraising campaign to create a permanent home for CMF in the City of London. Naturally the evening was full of music, as well as fine […]
‘Morphs and Magpies’ – the Ligeti Quartet’s mischievous new programme
January 22, 2018
Tabitha
The Ligeti Quartet are well-known for their inventive and engaging programming of contemporary music, and their latest invention is no less intriguing. György Ligeti String Quartet No. 1, ‘Métamorphoses nocturnes’ Gregers Brinch String Quartet No. 1 Tanya Tagaq Sivunittinni (arr. Garchik) INTERVAL John Zorn Cat O’Nine Tails Alfred Schnittke String Quartet No. 3 ‘Morphs and Magpies’ draws together 5 composers who […]
2017 CMF Artists announced
January 11, 2018
Tabitha
Each year it is an enormous pleasure, as well as a huge challenge, for our judging panels to select the musicians for the CMF Artists Programme from the ever increasing number of exceptionally accomplished applicants. This year we’ve selected four soloists and one ensemble, which include classical as well as jazz musicians with talents […]
Tabea Debus to perform on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune
December 15, 2017
Tabitha
Ahead of her concert at the Baroque at the Edge festival, Tabea will perform on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune with lutenist Alex McCartney on Thursday 4th January. Baroque at the Edge invites leading musicians ranging from classical to world, jazz and folk to take the music of the Baroque and see where it leads them. […]
CMF takes part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2017
November 13, 2017
Tabitha
We’re delighted to announce that CMF is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2017, the UK’s largest online match funding campaign. CMF is one of the charities that’s been selected to receive match funding from the Big Give, which means that donors have the rare opportunity to Double your Donation. For one week […]
