New charity raises £100,000 for period-instrument ensembles

Founded in October 2020, the charity has since attracted the patronage of Dame Emma Kirkby, Sir Roger Norrington and Rachel Podger. 

It has recently raised £100,000 and is now open for grant applications from period-instrument ensembles across the UK.

Founder Tina Vadaneaux comments: 'This remarkable response reflects the widespread recognition of the urgent need to retain these musicians whose virtuosity and scholarship underpin the sector, and to provide hope of a career in music for the next generation of artists.'

The Foundation's first round of grants will generate projects for freelance musicians, encouraging groups to progress with projects despite uncertainty around audience restrictions and lost ticket revenues.

Grant-making will be guided by an advisory panel including:

• David Hill, Conductor and Director of The Bach Choir

• Dr Berta Joncus, Member of Council, Handel Institute

• Lindsay Kemp, Artistic Director of Baroque at the Edge Festival

• Joseph McHardy, Director of Music, HM Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace

Future grant rounds will also be geared towards engaging new and more diverse audiences. Vadaneaux explains: 'The aim of Continuo is to create a virtuous circle - enabling nationwide touring of programmes to new venues and areas with a lack of provision in this genre of music. This in turn will also improve ensembles’ financial sustainability as they rebuild from the devastating impact of the pandemic.'

Grants from Continuo Foundation are open to professional UK-based period-instrument ensembles. Full details on how to apply are available here: www.continuofoundation.co.uk/grants