Press Releases
Download recent press releases in PDF form. For more information and images, contact the Communications Team communications@helpmusicians.org.uk
2010
July
Sir Peter Maxwell Davies is made President of the Fund
Maxwell Davies is the second ever President in the Fund’s 89 year history, following in the footsteps of another Master of the Queen’s Music, Sir Edward Elgar.
March
Geronimo Music and The Musicians Benevolent Fund present live music at The Elgin
Geronimo Music joined forces with the Fund to present 3 evenings of live acoustic music sessions at The Elgin in Ladbroke Grove on the 30, 31 March and 1 April 2010.
February
Musicians Benevolent Fund visits the Elgar Birthplace Museum to mark a long-standing association
Sir Edward Elgar was our first president. The Fund was founded in 1921 in memory of the celebrated tenor, Gervase Elwes, was originally known as the Gervase Elwes Memorial Fund. Elgar was an admirer of Elwes and his work and after his friend’s death in a railway accident in the USA on 21 January 1921, Elgar agreed to become the figurehead of the new charity.
Exciting new cello talent Michael Petrov joins roll call of names to receive major award
The Guilhermina Suggia Gift, named after the famous Portuguese cellist, is a highly prestigious award for outstanding young cellists. Michael joins a list of major talents who have previously received the Suggia Gift including Jacqueline Du Pré, Steven Isserlis, Robert Cohen, Raphael Wallfisch, Julian Lloyd Webber and Guy Johnston.
Phoenix Grants for Musicians with Disabilities
Launched in January 2010, Phoenix Grants for Musicians with Disabilities is a new grant giving
scheme. The Grants will provide essential funding to music students and professional musicians living with long term disability.
2009
November
18 year old Londoner Sherika Sherard receives coveted Songwriting Award
Born and raised in South London, singer-songwriter Sherika Sherard walked away with the main award of £5,000 at our annual Songwriting Awards Final. Sherika has been songwriting from the age of 14 and will use the award to buy new songwriting equipment and tour the UK next year.
Guy Chambers and Eg White on the panel of the Musicians Benevolent Fund Songwriting Awards Showcase Final
Guy will be joined by Eg White who, last year, co-wrote two of the biggest and most loved pop hits: Duffy’s ‘Warwick Avenue’ and Adele’s ‘Chasing Pavements’. In 2004, he won an Ivor Novello Award (Best Song) for his Will Young ballad ‘Leave Right Now’ and this year, was named Ivor Novello Songwriter of the Year.
Ruthie Henshall and Richard Suart to appear at the Annual Festival of Saint Cecilia
We will be celebrating our annual flagship event, the Festival of Saint Cecilia, on 18 November at St Paul’s Cathedral and Guildhall. Held annually since 1946 as a tribute to The Patron Saint of Music, this event continues a tradition in bringing together over 1000 people to celebrate music and musicians.
September
Adopt-a-Musician for Older People