The Continuo Foundation Announces Grants for Period-Instrument Ensembles

Open to professional period-instrument groups in the UK, £100,000 will be available in this second round of funding

Having raised over £250,000 to date, The Continuo Foundation was established in October 2020, and is an entrepreneurial charity enterprise. Its grants assist period-instrument ensembles with the financial uncertainty caused by the pandemic. 

The total of 100,000 pounds in round two comes after the initial 150,000 pounds for the first round of grants — which were awarded in March 2021 to 23 ensembles. As a result, 377 paid performance opportunities were created for freelance musicians. 

The fund total could potentially increase from any donations received before September 1, 2021. The funds are accessible to music projects scheduled from October 2021 to March 2022.

Since April of this year, four new recordings, one opera world premiere, and several concerts by grant recipients have occurred with live streaming and live audiences. First round grantees included the Consone Quartet, the Dunedin Consort, Fretwork, London Handel Orchestra, and Spirato.

"Funding from Continuo early on in our project has made such a difference to the success of our grant applications to other organisations," said the Spiritato ensemble. "We are incredibly grateful to the foundation for being the catalyst for what is going to be a landmark project."

"We aim to transform the UK’s classical music landscape by supporting live concerts and other events across the country," said The Continuo Foundation Founder Tina Vadaneaux. 

"Engaging new audiences and helping to develop a UK touring network that will allow ensembles to become more financially sustainable. This virtuous circle will also create opportunities for the next generation of artists."

Applications are now open and will close on August 9, 2021. 

To apply, click here.