Classical Music News

Continuo Foundation Launches Eighth Grant Round for UK Period-Instrument Ensembles

July 10, 2024

2 MIN READ

£100,000 is available to support concerts, tours, and projects undertaken by both emerging and established ensembles

The UK's Continuo Foundation has opened its eighth round of grant funding and is offering £100,000 in grant money for early music concerts, tours, and other artistic projects that will take place in the UK between November 2024 and April 2025.

The organization has proved to be a crucial part of the UK's early music scene: to date it has funded 100 different period-instrument ensembles in more than 170 creative projects. More than 1,000 freelance musicians have received income from these projects, and more than 180,000 audience members across the UK have attended concerts that would not otherwise have taken place.

Ensembles can apply now for grants ranging between £2000 and £8000. Applications must be submitted by 9 August 2024, and the recipients will be announced by 26 September 2024.

The Foundation will consider applications from both established and emerging ensembles. In the 2024 round, it has committed to allocating at least 20% of the available funding to ensembles formed since 2020.

"Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the astounding talent and creativity in the early music world," said Tina Vadaneaux, the Founder and CEO of Continuo Foundation. "The smaller ensembles who are best suited to bring music of the highest quality to grassroots venues across the country often find fundraising daunting. By removing this barrier, creativity can flow, and music becomes accessible for all."