MEET THE MEMBERS

THE CHELTENHAM MUSIC FESTIVAL SOCIETY

The Cheltenham Music Festival Society is an independent, voluntary and philanthropic ‘Friends’ organisation for the Cheltenham Music Festival.

It was formed in 1952 to provide the Festival with financial support, and its purpose remains the same to this day. Through subscriptions and occasional events, CMFS sponsors performances of new works, contributes to the cost of producing the Festival booklet, and funds new commissions from composers. Past commissions have included works by James MacMillan, Michael Berkeley, Alexander Goehr, Jonathan Harvey, Gavin Higgins, Graham Fitkin, David Matthews, Joe Cutler and Jonathan Dove.

CMFS contributes at least £10,000 annually to the Music Festival through the “Big Give” scheme (https://donate. thebiggive.org.uk). Members form a close group of supporters, despite being geographically located all around the country. During the Music Festival, we RED FOX, LINOCUT PRINT BY MARTYNA SABADASZ, @MARTYNA_SABADASZ come together at concerts, and for a lunch and AGM.

We have a regular newsletter, and members also benefit from an early booking period for Music Festival concerts. CMFS also arranges and promotes regular concerts, especially by talented young performers, at Chapel Arts in Cheltenham throughout the year.

The need for the funding provided by CMFS to the Festival has rarely been greater. With the cancellation of the 2020 Music Festival, and the uncertainties surrounding the form and content of the 2021 event, we are firmly resolved to keep our funding going to ensure the future of

New members are always welcome! It costs as little as £20 to join for a year – see http://cmfsoc.org.uk/membership.htm for details.

this award-winning Festival. JACKIE WHITE, CHELTENHAMOPENSTUDIOS.ORG.UK