Many members will remember the generous grant for the British Music Society left in composer Michael Hurd’s estate which enabled us to produce a considerable number of new recordings of British music, as well as reissues on the Naxos label.
Perhaps less well known is the existence of the British Music Society Charitable Trust which has supported recordings specifically of Michael Hurd’s music. Now that the latter project has been brought to fruition under the guidance of past Chairmen of the Trust, among them John Talbot, it is my aim as the new Chairman to support further worthwhile performances of Hurd’s music.
It therefore gave me much pleasure to drive to Curry Rival in Somerset recently on 5 July to hear a concert given by the Welsh Chamber Orchestra conducted by Anthony Hose in St. George’s church, a Grade I listed building with an excellent acoustic for this size of orchestra.
The event was very well attended and the audience was extremely appreciative of not only the Haydn Symphony no. 22 and concluding Mozart Symphony no. 40, but the two works by Michael Hurd in the programme. The first of these was the three movement Sinfonia Concertante and the second was Shore Leave, a group of five songs for baritone and orchestra which were performed by the distinguished Welsh baritone Jeremy Huw Williams. Indeed, they were keen to hear more music by Michael Hurd so we can consider the event, for which the Trust was able to provide financial support, a great success.
Plans are already underway for more performances of Michael Hurd’s music during 2026.
Written by Wendy Hiscocks