The world of early music is receiving a significant boost, as the Continuo Foundation has awarded over £100,000 in grants to 30 projects across the United Kingdom. This latest round of funding, announced this week, underscores the foundation’s commitment to supporting the performance and preservation of music from the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, and beyond. The grants will help ensembles and musicians navigate a challenging landscape and bring historically informed performances to audiences throughout the UK.
This eleventh round of grants from Continuo represents a total of £1,176,000 distributed since 2021, demonstrating a sustained investment in the early music sector. The funding isn’t just for established groups; nine of the projects selected are emerging ensembles formed since 2020, signaling a focus on nurturing the next generation of early music practitioners. The projects themselves are diverse, encompassing not only traditional concerts but also cross-arts collaborations, recording initiatives, operatic productions, and touring performances that venture beyond conventional venues and reach communities across the country.
A notable aspect of this funding cycle is an additional £6,000 contributed by The Purcell Society, matched by Continuo, to commemorate the society’s 150th anniversary. This dedicated funding will support projects specifically focused on the work of Henry Purcell, a cornerstone of English Baroque music. Two ensembles, the Monteverdi String Band and the Istante Collective, will benefit from this Purcell-focused initiative. The Monteverdi String Band will utilize the funds for a project titled Wandering Prince, Unhappy Queen, inspired by Purcell’s opera Dido and Aeneas, although the Istante Collective will stage a production of Purcell’s King Arthur.
Supporting a Flourishing Early Music Scene
The Continuo Foundation was established to address a critical need within the early music community. As detailed on their website, the organization aims to “enable early and baroque music to flourish and to inspire audiences in every region of the UK.” Continuo Foundation provides project grants and operates Continuo Connect, a digital platform designed to connect musicians and audiences. The foundation’s approach is to invest 100% of raised funds directly back into the early music sector, ensuring maximum impact.
A Diverse Range of Grant Recipients
The list of grant recipients showcases the breadth of activity within the UK’s early music scene. Ensembles like Apollo’s Cabinet, Baroque in the North, and the English Haydn Orchestra will receive support for their performance and outreach efforts. Groups such as Linarol Consort of Viols and Palisander will focus on expanding the repertoire for period instruments. The funding will also enable projects like those undertaken by Sounds Historical and the Republic of Viols, both relatively new ensembles marked with an asterisk in the grant recipient list, indicating their formation after 2020.
The grants aren’t limited to performance alone. Several projects will support recordings, allowing ensembles to share their work with a wider audience. Others will facilitate touring initiatives, bringing early music to venues and communities that may not typically have access to these performances. This commitment to accessibility is a key element of Continuo’s mission.
Looking Ahead: Continuo Connect and Future Funding
Beyond the direct financial support, Continuo Connect serves as a vital resource for anyone interested in early music. Continuo Connect offers a comprehensive guide to concerts, festivals, artist profiles, and articles related to Baroque and early music. The platform aims to increase awareness and appreciation for this rich musical heritage.
The foundation’s ongoing commitment to the sector is evident in its consistent funding rounds and its dedication to supporting both established and emerging artists. As Continuo continues to invest in early music projects, audiences across the UK can look forward to a vibrant and expanding landscape of historically informed performances. The next opportunity for ensembles to apply for funding will be announced on the Continuo Foundation website in the coming months, with details regarding application deadlines and eligibility criteria.
The full list of grant recipients includes: Apollo’s Cabinet, Baroque in the North, Bloomsbury Players, Early Opera Company, English Haydn Orchestra, Ensemble Hesperi, Fiori Musicali Figure, Gabrieli, In Echo, Istante Collective, Linarol Consort of Viols, Monteverdi String Band, Nocturnalia, Norwich Baroque, Obsidian Baroque, Palisander, Rautio Piano Trio, Republic of Viols, Saraband, Sirinu, Sounds Historical, Spiritato, The Harmonious Society of, Tickle-Fiddle Gentlemen, The Kaleidoscope Band, The Morley Consort, The Mozartists, The Royal Sackbut Collective, Vache Baroque, and Wessex Baroque Collective.
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