Supporting young musicians to achieve their potential since 1958
Supporting young musicians to achieve their potential since 1958
Would you like to learn about the Munster Trust?

About the Countess of Munster Musical Trust

The Countess of Munster Musical Trust was established in 1958 by Lady Munster to help young musicians achieve their full potential towards securing careers as performers. The Countess of Munster, Hilary Wilson, was herself a talented pianist and devoted her life to music.

Since 1958 the Trust has worked to support young musicians of professional potential to achieve their aims by funding their educational fees and living expenses and also by subsidising concerts to ease the transition from student to professional life. Well-respected in the classical music world, the Trust continues to make a real and significant contribution to the advancement of talented young musicians.

Key Funding Information

Applications Open: 01/01/2024  | 

Applications Deadline: 10/02/2024 | 

References Deadline: 17/02/2024 | 

Auditions Start: 21/04/2024

Where would you like to go now?

Discover more about the trust and what we offer

Learn About Our Awards

Funding availability, applications, eligibility and important dates

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Discover the Recital Scheme

What is the recital scheme, who is this aimed at and eligibility criteria

Visit recital scheme
Learn About Our History

The talented pianist Hilary Wilson and her philanthropy

View our history
Got questions? Need Answers?

Visit our FAQs page to find out about funding, the trust and much more...

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Is the Recital Scheme for you?

In the 1960s, aware of a lack of performance opportunities for young musicians, the Trustees initiated concerts for the benefit of young soloists with the English Chamber Orchestra under Raymond Leppard, who was himself a Trustee at the time. From these beginnings the idea of the Recital Scheme developed, with immediate and lasting success.

During the auditions in the Spring of each year, the Trustees consider who, amongst the beneficiaries of the Trust, would be most suitable for the Recital Scheme, selecting outstanding performers. In September, details of the chosen artists are made available to the clubs and societies who are members of the Recital Scheme. The club or society can then contact the artist directly to arrange a booking for a recital or concerto performance for which the Trust pays the artist’s fees.

The benefits of the Scheme are twofold: not only does it provide young musicians with experience of the professional platform and exposure to audiences throughout the country, but the music clubs themselves also benefit from introductions to talented young musicians and the sponsorship that the Trust provides. Over 200 music clubs and societies are members of the Scheme.

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