ABOUT CHAMBER MUSIC 2000

AIMS

• To increase knowledge, understanding and appreciation of music and any other matters of musical interest and promote, improve, develop and maintain public education in the art and science of music in all its aspects.

• To make available and to encourage the provision of access to and the study, performance and appreciation of chamber music by and for the public generally.

BACKGROUND

Chamber Music 2000 was established by members of the Schubert Ensemble to commission a large number of chamber works for piano and strings suitable to be played by young and amateur musicians. To date 34 leading composers have written works for Chamber Music 2000 that are technically easy, but still retaining the composers own individuality and musical style.

At a time when musical activity is being cut back at all levels, but most especially in schools, Chamber Music 2000 offers exciting opportunities which stimulate interest in chamber music among young people and their teachers, whilst at the same time developing audiences for the music of the leading composers of our time.  Since the start of the project, the Schubert Ensemble have coached over 2,000 students and school children on Chamber Music 2000 pieces and have performed the pieces in workshops and master-classes to a further 10,000 in over 60 different schools.  The Ensemble has prepared students and school children for 30 public concerts featuring CM2000 pieces.  Indeed, many of the schools with which we have worked have never before featured the work of a living composer in a school concert.  For the many people who feel that they have a resistance to new music, the general lack of complexity of the Chamber Music 2000 pieces has offered a way in to a composer’s music.

The pieces have proved to be ideal study material for young composers of all ages, from GCSE and ‘A’ level, to University and beyond. Seeing how leading composers make the most of simple musical ideas helps young composition students to bridge the gap between having a musical idea and making a short piece out of it, and helps more mature students find ways of avoiding unnecessary complexity in their music.

Chamber Music 2000 projects are also opportunities to introduce composers to students and audiences. The Ensemble has in recent years invited Judith Weir, Piers Hellawell, David Knotts, Roxanna Panufnik, Graham Fitkin and Owen Leech to work with them on projects.

Chamber Music 2000 is essential for developing tomorrow's audience for new music and providing a legacy which will be celebrated in the future.

FUNDING

The work of Chamber Music 2000 has been achieved through grants from Trusts and Foundations together with individual donations and commissions. To ensure the future development of repertoire and educational projects, funding is required on an annual basis.  For more details about how to support the work of the Trust please contact the Development Manager.

Chamber Music 2000 would like to thank the following Trusts and Foundations for their support:

• The Carnegie UK Trust
• The Ernest Cook Trust
• The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
• The Golsoncott Foundation
• The Linbury Trust
• The Peforming Rights Society Foundation
• The Radcliffe Trust
• The Schubert Ensemble Trust

The Trustees would also like to thank Surrey County Arts for their financial support of educational projects, and the many individuals who have supported the Trust through donations and commissions.