GUILD OF MUSICIANS AND SINGERS (GMS)
Patrons:
Rt Revd & Rt Hon Dr Richard Chartres, former Lord Bishop of London
Professor Dr Ian Tracey, Organist of Liverpool Cathedral
Dame Patricia Routledge, Internationally Renowned Singer and Actress
______________________
Rt Revd & Rt Hon Dr Richard Chartres, former Lord Bishop of London
Professor Dr Ian Tracey, Organist of Liverpool Cathedral
Dame Patricia Routledge, Internationally Renowned Singer and Actress
______________________
(ASSOCIATED PARTNER INSTITUTION)
History
Although the idea of organizing professional musicians in guilds can be traced back to the Romans in the early part of the 7th century, the formation, at least in London, of a fraternity or guild of musicians seems not to have begun until around 1350 or possibly later.
No doubt guided by these ancient precedents, the Guild of Musicians was founded in 1993, the aims and objects of which were “to create a Guild of professional and amateur musicians similar to Guilds of years past, enabling members to meet from time to time for working and fraternal purposes”. The title was probably suggested by the words of Psalm 68, verse 25 – ‘The singers go before, and the minstrels (musicians) after’. It was chosen for ease of abbreviation (so as not to be confused with the GSM – the Guildhall School of Music) and was meant to include those who play and those who sing.
Since its inception, the Guild has sought to promote, through its concerts and recitals, a high standard of musical performance. Its meetings are normally held twice yearly in Central London, and these have featured solo piano recitals; lieder and song recitals; recitals for violin and piano; concerts by brass ensembles; orchestral concerts; military band concerts; recitals of music for clarinet and piano (including rarely-heard Sonatas by Stanford and Howells), four organ recitals including major works by Reubke, Reger and Karg-Elert; and a Theatre Organ Concert on a famous Wurlitzer organ. Choral concerts have featured Handel's four Coronation Anthems of 1727, and major works by William Walton have also been given including the Coronation Te Deum. An important work for narrator and organ was given its first performance in Britain in Holy Trinity Church in London's Sloane Street. Fully illustrated lectures and talks have been presented by professional musicians, and speakers have included three distinguished cathedral organists.
Meetings are normally held at the church of All Hallows-by -the-Tower in London, and full details of these are sent to all members before each event, supplying accurate details and detailed travel information.
The Guild's magazine Fanfare is published in March and September, comprising articles on performance-related subjects, together with CD, DVD and music reviews and other items of interest.
The Guild regards itself as a learned society and is NOT an examining body. It consists of well over 400 members, and includes many distinguished musicians among its Honorary Fellows.
Membership is open to anyone over 18 and exists on three levels and entry is by election.
Full academic dress is available from the Guild’s robemakers, J.Wippell of Exeter. Further details can be obtained from the Secretary General
History
Although the idea of organizing professional musicians in guilds can be traced back to the Romans in the early part of the 7th century, the formation, at least in London, of a fraternity or guild of musicians seems not to have begun until around 1350 or possibly later.
No doubt guided by these ancient precedents, the Guild of Musicians was founded in 1993, the aims and objects of which were “to create a Guild of professional and amateur musicians similar to Guilds of years past, enabling members to meet from time to time for working and fraternal purposes”. The title was probably suggested by the words of Psalm 68, verse 25 – ‘The singers go before, and the minstrels (musicians) after’. It was chosen for ease of abbreviation (so as not to be confused with the GSM – the Guildhall School of Music) and was meant to include those who play and those who sing.
Since its inception, the Guild has sought to promote, through its concerts and recitals, a high standard of musical performance. Its meetings are normally held twice yearly in Central London, and these have featured solo piano recitals; lieder and song recitals; recitals for violin and piano; concerts by brass ensembles; orchestral concerts; military band concerts; recitals of music for clarinet and piano (including rarely-heard Sonatas by Stanford and Howells), four organ recitals including major works by Reubke, Reger and Karg-Elert; and a Theatre Organ Concert on a famous Wurlitzer organ. Choral concerts have featured Handel's four Coronation Anthems of 1727, and major works by William Walton have also been given including the Coronation Te Deum. An important work for narrator and organ was given its first performance in Britain in Holy Trinity Church in London's Sloane Street. Fully illustrated lectures and talks have been presented by professional musicians, and speakers have included three distinguished cathedral organists.
Meetings are normally held at the church of All Hallows-by -the-Tower in London, and full details of these are sent to all members before each event, supplying accurate details and detailed travel information.
The Guild's magazine Fanfare is published in March and September, comprising articles on performance-related subjects, together with CD, DVD and music reviews and other items of interest.
The Guild regards itself as a learned society and is NOT an examining body. It consists of well over 400 members, and includes many distinguished musicians among its Honorary Fellows.
Membership is open to anyone over 18 and exists on three levels and entry is by election.
Full academic dress is available from the Guild’s robemakers, J.Wippell of Exeter. Further details can be obtained from the Secretary General
