Friends of Baroque Music in Yorkshire

Friends of Baroque Music in Yorkshire is a registered charity (Charity number 1099251) dedicated to supporting and promoting the performance of Baroque music throughout the Yorkshire region in the United Kingdom. The organization provides both financial and practical assistance to Baroque ensembles, enabling audiences in Yorkshire to experience high-quality live performances and share in the enthusiasm of musicians for Baroque repertoire[1][2][3].

Mission and Activities

The charity supports professional, non-professional, and student musicians who perform Baroque choral and orchestral music with a focus on historically informed performance practice. Through grants and resource provision, the Friends of Baroque Music in Yorkshire aim to maintain and elevate performance standards reflective of Baroque scholarship[1].

A significant area of their support lies with the Leeds Baroque Choir and Orchestra, the city’s only period instrument orchestra. The organization is one of the major funding sources for this ensemble, helping to sustain and develop its acclaimed artistic standards. Among their contributions, the Friends have purchased a chamber organ for the choir's use and supported crowdfunding initiatives to acquire historically appropriate timpani[1][2].

The charity also offers small grants to individual students and aspiring professionals engaged in Baroque music, nurturing the next generation of performers. Additionally, it organizes workshops that focus on Historical Informed Performance Practice (HIPP) to encourage and educate musicians in this specialized field[1].

Instrument Loan Program

To aid promising students with access to Baroque instruments, the charity owns a collection of period instruments including three Baroque violins, a Baroque viola, and a Baroque cello. These instruments are available for short-term loan, facilitating practical learning and performance opportunities for emerging musicians[1].

Community Engagement

Friends of Baroque Music in Yorkshire encourages individuals who are passionate about Baroque music—whether as performers, audience members, or volunteers—to participate in its activities. The charity values the contribution of organizational skills and volunteer time to help promote Baroque music and support young musicians throughout Yorkshire[1][4].

This organization plays a vital role in sustaining and enriching the Baroque music scene in Yorkshire, providing resources, financial support, and educational opportunities to ensembles and individuals dedicated to this historic musical tradition.