Josh and Lara become Finzi Trust Scholars

Gerald Finzi (1901-1956) is one of the most significant figures in British 20th century music, particularly when it comes to choral and vocal music.  So we were delighted when the charitable trust set up in his memory agreed to support two of our AC Academy Scholars.

Lara and Josh (pictured above, 4th and 5th from the left) will be our Finzi Trust Scholars for this year, benefiting from subsidised singing lessons and choral courses, bursaries to buy instruments, and of course the chance to perform with our professional Consort choir.

The Finzi Trust was established fifty years ago, in 1969, to further the composer’s music, works and ideals.  It has given support to all manner of projects from recordings and commissions to offering opportunities for young musicians.  First awarded in 2005, the Finzi Scholarships seek to recognise and perpetuate the philosophical, creative and enabling breadth of vision of Gerald Finzi and his wife, the artist and poet Joy (1907-91), who throughout their lives provided unstinting support and encouragement to artists, writers and musicians of all ages and levels of accomplishment.

Lara and Josh have been AC Academy scholars since the scheme started in Autumn 2018.  Even at that early stage, Lara explained that, “The AC Academy scholarship has built my confidence in singing and sight-reading. It has been an incredible opportunity for me.”  While for Josh, he found the programme was “nurturing and helping to enhance my musical capabilities. It has opened opportunities for me to sing and perform with the best and I am truly grateful.”

It costs £1500 each year for each of our scholars to provide these opportunities, and we are fundraising actively to support all of our seven scholars.  If you would like to help, please get in touch with Nick Drew, Head of Development and Planning, for a detailed discussion: ndrew@armonico.org.uk