JAM celebrates 25th anniversary with concert of commissions

The John Armitage Memorial Trust (JAM) is set to celebrate its 25^th anniversary with a concert celebrating the music charity’s commissions over the last quarter of a century. The concert, which is set take place this month (26 March) at St Bride’s Church in London, will feature performances from Onyx Brass, The Chapel Choir of Selwyn College, Cambridge, organist Simon Hogan and conductor Sarah MacDonald.

The programme will take audiences on a journey from JAM’s first ever commission, Timonthy Jackson’s No Answer, to the world premiere of its latest work, Seven Songs of Nature by Joseph Phibbs. As well as other music submitted to JAM’s annual Call for Music, it will also include JAM’s most recognised commission, Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal by Paul Mealor, which became Ubi Caritas and was featured in the wedding of the now Prince and Princes of Wales.

Composer Gabriel Jackson, who has previously been commissioned by JAM, said: ‘For over 25 years now JAM has been putting on fascinating concerts, has commissioned a substantial body of new work and given countless opportunities to emerging composers through their submissions scheme. Without them, the world would be a much duller place!’

Launched in 2000 in response to a difficult climate for emerging UK composers, JAM aims to nurture, promote and enable new classical music through commissions and initiatives like its Call for Music, Composers’ Resource and Composers’ Residency. A combination of works from these Calls and commissions have opened its season since 2002.

JAM has helped over 2,500 early-career composers through commissions and performances, publishing contracts and media support. Composers commissioned by JAM in the past include Judith Bingham, Jonathan Dove, Thea Musgrave, Hannah Kendall, Mark-Anthony Turnage and Paul Mealor.

JAM will present its 12^th JAM on the Marsh Festival this summer.