New online donation platform for composers launched by Sound and Music
Monday, November 16, 2020
Music Patron, a new online platform that will connect composers directly with patrons, is being developed by Sound and Music
The platform is the brainchild of philanthropist and composer Anthony Bolton, who is also funding the development through his family trust, the Boltini Trust.
Sound and Music has also announced the appointment of Sonia Stevenson as head of Music Patron.
Bolton said: 'Music Patron has never felt more important. The impact of the pandemic means that many composers are living with huge daily pressure to access the financial support and opportunities they need in order to create and compose music. There are also additional challenges such as cancelled or indefinitely postponed commissions, and even greater competition for funding, to name but a few. The future looks even more precarious and uncertain.
'We don’t believe that Music Patron will solve all of the challenges composers face today. But we do believe it can have a positive impact and potentially transform the culture of giving in the UK. And we believe that many more people will support new music, if we create a space for them to do so.'
Susanna Eastburn MBE, chief executive of Sound and Music, commented: 'Now is the time for Music Patron to come to life, as it responds both to the ever greater pressure on income sources for composers, and to the huge potential opened up by the growth in digital engagement. It is a great honour and responsibility for Sound and Music to be taking on the development of Music Patron. Anthony’s vision is an inspiring and generous one, bringing together his wish for a long-term change in how composers are supported with a belief that many more people will support them if given the opportunity to do so directly. From our earliest discussions, we have felt great synergy with the ambitions of Music Patron, and look forward to welcoming Sonia to the team and to making this vision a reality.'