OBJECTIVES OF THE TRUST

(Laurie Holloway & Marion Montgomery with Stephane Grappelli)

In 1996 Laurie Holloway and Marion Montgomery set up the Montgomery Holloway Music Trust (MHMT). The aim was simple - to give real talent an opportunity to be seen and heard on stage, and to help that talent develop stage craft, performance technique through expert tutorials in week-long workshops, along with performing on stage under the direction of professionals.

The Trust aims to attact young singers and musicians from all walks of life, principally but not exclusively, in the age range of 16 to 30. All participants must have recognised talent and in the case of musicans to be up to grade 6/7 or the equivalent.

The Montgomery Holloway Music Trust aims to generate such income as is necessary to meet the costs of running the trust on a day to day basis, contract the very best tutors and hire the best facilites for both training and performance, but most importantly generate the income to be able to offer students Financial Aid to attend the trust events. It is the Trusts aim to ensure that no deserving student should be barred from the benefits of the Trusts influence because of a lack of personal finance.

A BRIEF HISTORY

Since 1996 MHMT has worked with and showcased over 400 singers and musicians, the vast majority of who have come through the seminar route but others who have been directly recommended by like minded organisations, schools, colleges and Music Trusts.

The Trust over the last 8 years has developed strong links with local, regional, national music bodies, schools, colleges and music trusts. The inter-action this brings ensures the best opputunites for all.

Fund raising is essential to the trusts future and so Student Concerts and Showcase events have to be well presented and sold. The Trust is also lucky in that it has many supporters who collectively and indivdually have organised fund raising events to support the work.

In 2003 the Montgomery Holloway Music Trust presented a Tribute Concert to the late Marion Montgomery. The venue was the Birmingham Symphony Hall. The event was organised by one of the Trusts patrons, Martin Hone and was hosted by Michael Parkinson, also a Patron of the Trust. The cast included Rolf Harris, Lesley Garret, Kenny Lynch, Tina May, Jacqui Dankworth and the Laurie Holloway Orchestra. The evening was a huge success and the proceeds ensured the Trusts immediate financial future.

In 2004 and 2005 MHMT ran its week long Seminar at the Desborough School Music Centre in Maidenhead. Both singers and instrumentalists attended and subsequently performed in the  Students Concert at the Norden Farm Arts Centre. Tutors have included Sara Colman, Anita Wardell, Jacqui Dankworth (Vocals), Peter Ripper, Karim Merchant (Instrumentalists), Malcolm Edmonstone (Musical Arranger) and two full trios to support the singers. Master classes are also organised within the week with Laurie Holloway and his trio (Jeff Clyne, Bass and Harold Fisher, Drums) as well as Tina May, Kenny Lynch and Jacqui Dankworth. The concert has been sold out for the last 3 years.

MHMT STRUCTURE

Patrons: Peter Boizot MBE DL, Prof Anthony Field CBE, John Causebrook, Martin Hone, Sir Fergus Montgomery, Michael Parkinson CBE, The Rt Hon John Prescott and Eddie Shirkie MD

Vice Presidents: Michael Barratt, Malcolm Peake and Robert Varnish

Chairman: Dr Barrie Mair

Musical Director: Laurie Holloway

Trustees: Dr Barrie Mair, Laurie Holloway, Abigail Holloway-Hellens, Bill Hall, Keith Cullup and Julia M Bentley

Executive Committee: Laurie Holloway, Abigail Holloway-Hellens, Bill Hall, Gillian Dibden, Pat Goodman, Will Torrent and Ray Tapken