​

Martin Read, highly respected Hampshire-based Composer and Educator died suddenly in 2012 at the age of 53. His wife, Beccy knew she had to do something with the energy Martin had shared with the world and as teaching composition was his passion, the Martin Read Foundation was born. The charity’s aim from the outset was to not only support young composers but to bring playing, singing and hearing contemporary music to a wider, non-specialist audience, including Martin’s own work.

Since its first year MRF has supported 24 young composers, commissioning them to write for Artists in Residence including: Toril Azzalini-Machecler - percussion, Sam Bullard – saxophones, Cameron Sinclair – percussion, Philip Smith - baritone, Joseph Spooner – cello, Danile Swami – recorders. The Young Composers Scheme also includes a workshop process where they can try out their ideas with the performers, and one to one mentoring with professional composers that have included Tom Armstrong, Laura Jurd, Simon Speare, Errollyn Wallen, Alison Willis, often with the support of MRF’s patrons, Judith Weir, Howard Skempton and Gwyneth Herbert. In total MRF has premiered over 50 new works since its creation, including many by its alumni.

Of the 24 supported so far, 21 have gone on to conservatoire to study composition, many of whom have graduated and are now employed as composers.