In the wake of Martin’s sudden death, September 2012, Martin Read Foundation was established in 2014, as a platform for the continuation of his passions for music teaching, composition and contemporary music. This annual Festival is the highlight of the Foundation’s year – a day full of music-making and performance, exploring and celebrating contemporary composition. MRF has presented many world premiere performances, and showcases young composers supported by the Foundation.
Festival 2019:
New Music on April 28th by established and emerging composers: Steve Reich, Gustav Holst, Kurt Weill, Martin Read, Alison Willis, Simon Speare, Alex Ling, Freddie Hodkin, Owen Russell, Scottie Thompson, Pernille Faye, Jack Robinson, Domenico Ragozzino, Alastair Rook.
Performers: Commotio –leading performers of contemporary choral music, David Gibson, Joe Parks, Daniel Swani, Joseph Spooner, ensembles from Alton College.
masterclass composition workshop
‘…always massively inspiring, educational and life-affirming’
Sam Christie,
MRF Festival choir.
Festival 2018:
Composers & performers worked together, in an intriguing masterclass-style workshop led by MRF patron Howard Skempton who declared Martin Read Foundation's support for young composers:
unique within the UK
Repeat recital at
The Grange, Northington:
'The Martin Read Foundation is doing a wonderful job of nurturing emerging talent, offering fledgling composers an established figure as a mentor, and providing high-level public performances. It was inspiring to see such gifted young writers bringing fresh ideas to develop and extend the traditions of English song.'
Jonathan Dove
Song Recital
Philip Smith - baritone and
Nicholas Bosworth - piano
giving premieres of commissions by
MRF awarded composers of 2018.
Festival 2017:
Festival 2016:
One of Martin's Mary Rose Songs, performed by Festival '16 choir and orchestra, with audience, directed by David Gibson.
Foundation selected composer 2016, String Quartet, performed by London-based Ernst Quartet.