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IN THIS UPDATE:
FIRST ROUND GRANTS - IMPACT
We are delighted to report that activity in June included two new recordings, one world premiere, and concerts both filmed and with live audiences! The figures so far:
£74,300 disbursed to 14 ensembles
242 musicians engaged
Please read on for highlights from projects which took place in June. In the meantime, we wished to share this wonderful feedback from Ensemble Augelletti:
“The impact this project has had for us cannot be underestimated. The opportunity to spend focused time rehearsing and recording together was inspiring, creative, moving and healing after the past year. As an early-career ensemble (ranging from ages 26-35), the grant from Continuo Foundation has not only made this project possible, but has given us an intensive period of rehearsal that has taken our ensemble to the next level of music making.”
CONTINUO FEATURED IN THE ECONOMIST
We are delighted that the importance of the work you are supporting has been highlighted in this June article from The Economist which describes period instrument performance as ‘one of the glories of British music.’ The article also mentions several ensembles awarded grants by Continuo Foundation, with a particular focus on Errollyn Wallen’s ‘Dido’s Ghost’ by the Dunedin Consort.
THE CONTINUO FOUNDATION AWARD FOR STUDENTS OF HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE
We are thrilled to support the next generation of period-instrument players by sponsoring a competition in association with Music at the Tower, created last summer by Mary Bevan and Jonny Byers to keep music alive during lockdown. Ten final year students at London conservatoires will be given the opportunity to play alongside leading professionals, gaining experience, visibility and contacts, in the Bach for Good festival on 21st August 2021. Please spread the word!
PREPARING TO LAUNCH GRANT ROUND 2
Despite the return of some concerts, this remains a precarious time for musicians. Ongoing social distancing requirements and uncertainty have contributed to continued cancellations and difficulty with planning projects.
To help as many ensembles as possible through this period, and to demonstrate our long-term commitment to the sector, Continuo Foundation is fundraising for a second round of grants covering projects scheduled for October 2021 to March 2022.
Thanks to the generosity of new and first round donors, we are well on our way to reaching our £100,000 launch target and have already raised £83,000!
If you wish to support the next round of grants, please do visit our Support Us page or contact Tina directly on tina@continuofoundation.co.uk or 07785 257 941.
FIRST ROUND GRANTS - PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Fretwork – ‘Paradise Lost’ filmed concert with Simon Callow, narrator
Fretwork viol consort filmed a concert tracing the connections between the family of 17th century composer Leonora Duarte and scientific, political, intellectual & literary figures in their circle including Milton and Spinoza. Click here to watch the video.
La Serenissima – Italian Baroque Concertos and Orchestral Suites
La Serenissima have made a new recording of works by lesser-known Italian composers including Brescianello, Dall’Abaco, Sammartini and Vivaldi. The recording showcases the playing of rising star, Tabea Debus. Watch the video here.
Boxwood & Brass - New Sounds for Old Winds I and II
Boxwood & Brass performed the first two in their series of three concerts inspired by the wind players in Vienna c. 1790. Featuring new, historically-inspired wind arrangements of music by Mozart and Beethoven, created by bassoonist Robert Percival. Watch here.