Posted on 11 February 2011
The Musicians Benevolent Fund’s 90th year was officially launched on 8 February with a unique and memorable evening of music, discussion and champagne.
A Date to Remember featured music from John Mark Ainsley (tenor), Simon Lepper (piano) and the Badke Quartet, remembering the life of tenor Gervase Elwes whose unexpected death in 1921 caused his friends to set up the Musicians Benevolent Fund 90 years ago.
In the beautiful surroundings of the Swiss Church, Covent Garden,
guests were treated to a performance of Gervase Elwes' signature
song-cycle, Vaughan Williams' On Wenlock Edge, as well as hearing Elwes' interpretation recorded in 1917 and reproduced on a 1928 EMG Handmade gramophone.
Radio 3's In Tune
presenter Sean Rafferty hosted the evening and led a fascinating
discussion with the performers on the song-cycle and Elwes'
interpretation.
To find out more about the life of Gervase Elwes, please visit the history section of the website where you can read the story of Gervase Elwes.
Read the article about the event published in Arts Industry Magazine