Welcome

Welcome to the summer edition of Mus ic Jou rnal . So much has happened since the last issue, not least the Coronation of King Charles. Many ISM members were involved in the King ’s Coronation, from composing to performing wonderful music –both newly commissioned pieces and much older works. You can fi nd full coverage of the role of ISM members in the music for the Coronation, on pages 12-15.

The latest in the series of ISM conferences under the banner of The Empowered Musician took place on 21 April . It was a sell-out, and covered an extraordinary breadth of topics – from developing technologies such as artificial intelligence and what this might mean for musicians, to building resilience in these ever-challenging times.

Perhaps the highlight of the day was the ‘In conversation …’ with Debbie Wiseman who was interviewed by well-known music journalist Michael Beek, from BBC Music magazine. Debbie has composed many hugely successful scores for both film and TV, and she talked in depth about her creative process. She also talked about working on the coronation – her piece Alleluia (O Clap your Hands) was performed by the Westminster Abbey Choir and its companion piece Alleluia (O Sing Praises) was sung by the Ascension Choir, marking the first time a gospel choir performed at a coronation. You can read more about The Empowered Musician 3 as well as a summary of our AGM on pages 8-11.

While so many people greatly enjoyed the music performed at the Coronation, music continues to be under threat from many quarters. The ISM is pleased that the BBC has paused its cuts to orchestral jobs, but we are disturbed by the announcement that the corporation is looking for new funding arrangements for the BBC Singers. There remains a suspicion that these announcements have been made to ensure that the BBC Proms proceed without a hitch. The ISM hopes this is not the case, and we shall monitor the situation very carefully. If there is any inkling that the BBC Singers will not continue under the auspices of the BBC or that orchestral jobs will be lost, we will immediately voice our concerns and again campaign vigorously. I am sure ISM members will join in this important campaign. We cannot lose such a fundamental part of the UK’s musical landscape.

Lastly, summer heralds the start of many music festivals across the UK and beyond. If you are taking part in a festival, please do share your social media with us and we will be happy to promote your event. And happy music making

E. deborah@ism.org

Volume 90 / Number 1

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Front Cover: Sir Antonio Pappano, ISM Distinguished Musician Award winner, 2012 conducting at the King’s Coronation in Westminster Abbey

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