I have been a member of the Royal Society of Musicians of Great Britain since 1996 and have been proud to be a part of the UK’s oldest music charity over the years. It is a remarkable organisation that provides vital financial assistance, advice and guidance to those professionally active in the wrold of music but who are unable to work due to accident, illness, stress or anxiety. Founded in London over 300 years ago by a group of musicians including G.F. Handel, we are a charity run by musicians for musicians and we are a charity that is open to membership from across all areas of the music sector.

The Society is run from its home at 26 Fitzroy Square in London by its professional staff headed by Chief Executive, Charlotte Penton-Smith. Regular members meetings are held there whilst the Society also organises regional meetings to ensure as wide as possible engagement across the UK. A successful meeting in Cardiff in October 2023 will be followed by meetings in Northern Ireland and Scotland in 2024.

Last year, I was elected as one of the twelve Governors and in this time have greatly enjoyed working with the Chair for 2023, Clare Tyack, Vice-Chair, Clare McCaldin, Honorary Treasurer, Jonathan Rennert and all Governors. In January, I was elected as Chair for 2024 and have been joined by two Vice-Chairs, Carl Jackson and Jacoba Gale, while Jonathan Rennert continues as our Honorary Treasurer.

I am looking forward to a very active year not least in welcoming guests to our annual Jacqueline du Pré Charity Concert at the Wigmore Hall on 14 April when flautist Emmanuel Pahud will perform with harpsichordist Trevor Pinnock and cellist, Jonathan Manson.

I hope that I can assist in growing the membership of the Society and this is to invite as many musicians as possible to join. Details of membership can be found on the Society’s website at www.rsmgb.org/join

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