We demand that St Martin-in-the-Fields reverse outrageous decision to cast out loyal musicians

Comments

#1204

This is just appalling for all the reasons that are clear. As art and music historian, highlights of London visits have long been lunchtime concerts and evening events, even an occasional choral evensong. That certain groups are being targetted shows it is not just medical concern.

Adrian Le Harivel (Dublin, 2020-07-27)

#1207

I am a freelance organist and harpsichordist, and have played with the Locrian Ensemble regularly over the years.

Alastair Ross (High Wycombe, 2020-07-27)

#1208

I feel very strongly that this decision MUST be reversed for the sake of the loyal players and audience

Carolyn Thorneloe (MAIDSTONE, 2020-07-27)

#1211

I think this an unjust decision

Jean Sewell (Bishops Stortford, 2020-07-27)

#1212

Can't understand this decision. People flock to these concerts. Music - serious, deep music - is precious. Do not throw it, and its highly skilled practitioners, away.

Stephen Pettitt (Azat le Ris, 2020-07-27)

#1213

I want the finest of music to be available to all

Philip Jones (Brockton, 2020-07-28)

#1214

Friend and concerto soloist over the years with this world class orchestra.

Lachlan Redd (Melbourne, 2020-07-28)

#1217

The very last thing musicians need right now is to have engagements cancelled. There is also a knock-on effect on all staff who work at St Martin's who will be made redundant. We need MORE music not less.

Cherry Klein (London, 2020-07-28)

#1218

This is yet another major church dismissing its musicians without a charitable thought, musicians who have been a major fund raiser for them and an enormous asset to the community whatever their beliefs. Churches will now truly become museums of our cultural past- dead and unattractive mausoleums. I’ll transfer my charitable support for their causes to a worthier recipient. Stop the clocks...

Helen Gillingwater (London, 2020-07-28)

#1220

This is outrageous. Of all of the times to display such flagrant disregard for both the needs of the community and the beloved musicians, you chose NOW to cast aside the compassion for the dire situation we find ourselves in with this “pandemic?” No mystery why people are losing faith in ... everything.

Lauren Lynley (Los Angeles, 2020-07-28)

#1221

I sung there in Dec 1953 and Dec 1954 in the 'Combined Choir' of males from Bancrofts School and females from LoughtonCHSforG

Peter Perkins (Diss, 2020-07-28)

#1222

these concerts are part of the lifeblood of London life

Jim Miles (Headley, 2020-07-28)

#1225

The Arts have been devastated by this pandemic and, as a professional musician, I feel the loss of live music everywhere. St. Martin's is a beacon and surely it can continue to accommodate musicians such as those listed to bring healing to all those who come in to listen.

Caroline Collingridge (WORTHING, 2020-07-28)

#1227

Having been brought up in London St. Martin-in-the-Fields is not only a focal point for concert-lovers living there and visiting, but, in addition, its central position makes it very accessible. I share with many others that the decision of the St. Martins to terminate the long established concert programme the hope that this will be reversed in the not too distant future. John Nelson - former intendant of the Mikkeli Music Festival, Finlnd.

John Nelson (Levä, 2020-07-28)

#1228

The space for spiritual contemplation that the great music heard there over the decades will be sorely missed if this foolish decision stands.

Edward McGuire (Glasgow, 2020-07-28)

#1231

Without music and culture we are nothing, and this is a decision that has far reach economic and cultural consequences for this church and beyond, which sets a dangerous precedent for others to follow suit without proper consideration of the consequences

Amelia Gillingwater (London, 2020-07-28)

#1233

The name of St.Martin-in-the-fields is synonymous with quality music the world over; to lose the goodwill, effort and joy it brings is a step into darkness and inhumanity which will ultimately leave the site hollow, facile and an apology for a church.

Ian Boakes (LONDON, 2020-07-28)

#1241

This is an utterly nonsensical decision, reversing it is of the utmost importance for the cultural integrity of the city.

George Clark (BN3 3WN, 2020-07-28)

#1243

I sniff expediency

Tim Baker (Hawkhurst, 2020-07-28)

#1250

I believe strongly in supporting the work of wonderful musicians.

Tom Young (Copenhagen, 2020-07-29)

#1252

All opportunities for music accessible to all must be protected. Classical music in particular is in danger of irreversible damage ,with fewer venues available and musicians unemployed.

Caroline Kehoe (Rye, 2020-07-29)

#1253

I have heard and seen some great concerts at the church and it would be so sad if this stops. Think of all the musicians that will be affected.

Elaine Graham (Ashford, 2020-07-29)

#1254

I'm signing because I feel we should help musicians at the moment, when the near future is looking very gloomy for them.

Pamela Hipkins (Otham, 2020-07-29)

#1256

Flute player who was meant to be performing with Locrian in Aug. We should be coming together as musicians at this times and venues should support performers, not shutting them out!

Daniel Shao (London, 2020-07-29)

#1260

Music and events are my business

William Hodgson (Southampton, 2020-07-30)

#1261

Instant dismissal is usually used for extremely serious disciplinary matters. Musicians face a bleak future as it is, why treat them in this way? Why would the public support an organisation that behaves in this way? Why isn't the church working together with its long-time supporters in a Christian manner?

Margery Thomas (Ashford, 2020-07-30)

#1262

Many loyal musicians have spent decades performing with different orchestras and ensembles at this church. To change hundreds of years this tradition is reactionary, excluding dismissive, selfish and downright unchristian.

Scott Bywater (London, 2020-07-30)

#1263

I’ve enjoyed many of the candlelight concerts there, there seems to be no good reason to cancel them

Niki McGlynn (WOKINGHAM, 2020-07-30)

#1265

To treat people who have supported the venue over the years, without a warning or consultation is immoral

Heather McGlynn (Wokingham, 2020-07-30)

#1266

It saddens me to see so many of the arts being forgotten, overlooked and dropped by the wayside through this pandemic. We can always find money for war and to send to other countries as aid! Charity should begin at home!!

Linda Thomas (READING, 2020-07-30)

#1267

The arts are crucial to well being. They deserve as much support as any other industry in these difficult times.

Gaynor Ralls (Woking, 2020-07-30)

#1269

At this difficult time, a church (above all) should be doing its best to help musicians, not excluding theh,

Meirion Bowen (London, 2020-07-30)

#1270

Music is so important - we need it!

Coral Powell (Ealing, 2020-07-30)

#1274

Churches are a vital performing space, and in this case particularly it seems unwarranted to summarily cast out those who gave helped build the reputation up over the past decades

Martin Isaac (London, 2020-07-31)

#1275

I’m a British born and trained musician and am very concerned about the future of the arts in the UK due to the pandemic.

Fiona Troon (Santiago, 2020-08-01)

#1276

Beautiful setting in which to listen to glorious music. We need spaces like this more than ever after the disaster of the pandemic. It would be an absolute tragedy to lose it.

Marian Kivlehan (London, 2020-08-01)

#1280

This decision makes no sense to me as someone who has enjoyed many concerts at St Martin-in-the-Fields promoted by 'outside' organisations such as Trafalgar Sinfonia.

Stuart Vezey (London, 2020-08-05)

#1281

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Will Robertson (London, 2020-08-06)

#1284

I'm signing in support of fellow musicians, when opportunities are taken away from musicians the knock on effect is felt through the whole industry.

Neil Martin (London, 2020-08-10)

#1286

Music is water for the soul.

Glennis McGregor (London, 2020-08-10)

#1288

I'm signing because this is immoral and unfair. The arts need supporting at this critical time. I am am ex performer in Belmont Ensemble.

Helen Betteridge (Potton, 2020-08-11)

#1290

Where would we be without music.

Adrienne Wilson (London, 2020-08-11)

#1297

I used to work at St Martin in the fields as a concert steward and saw the pleasure candlelit classical concerts gave. It would be a massive loss if these were to stop.

Anna Waterhouse (Sheffield, 2020-08-12)

#1302

I have appreciated St Martin's in the Fields cultural and charitable vision over years both as a performer and audience. The two missions are inseparable. The church is set up as a high quality performing venue and people associate it with its diverse musical programme that presents the best of London's music making, to a completely inclusive audience. Its accessability to mixed audiences means there is no place like this. This decision means cultural slaughter but also cultural suicide for the church. And coming in a time when many musicians fear for their livelihood it is even more devastating. Please re-consider what a rare gem you have in your hands with a unique position in London's musical scene, and reverse this decision.

Sara Deborah Timossi (Liss, 2020-08-13)

#1304

I love attending concerts at this church and have friends who are in the choirs. This is shocking. To end the historic link with the beauty of the church and music and recordings..it is too sad for words.

Qatrinnada Rawi (Ashford, 2020-08-15)

#1305

I deplore this decision. The concerts in St Martin-in-the-Fields are such an established part of London musical life that I can see no logic in this decision. Shame on the church authorities.

John Grimshaw (London, 2020-08-16)

#1308

I have friends who rely of performing at St Martins and have regularly attended concerts over many years. I am shocked by this decision which will hugely reduce the numbers of people who experience St Martin's and to whom the church community has the opportunity to reach out. It is inward looking and will destroy peoples livelihoods at a moment when the church should be seeking to support them. St Martin's through broadcasts and concerts has been a leader in music which has provided an inspiring counterpoint to its Christian outreach through its work with the homeless - by reducing the numbers coming to the church I am sure it will impact that work as well - a short-sighted as well as negative and as the petition says un-Christian decision.

Helen Dorey (London, 2020-08-21)

#1309

Destroying a wonderful tradition of concerts in central London at a stroke.

Nigel Keatley (Mireval-Lauragais, 2020-08-22)

#1313

Worse than un-christian behaviour it's inhuman. Beyond creeds and race, we need music to feel safe and loved.

Pat Levin (london, 2020-08-28)

#1322

This will inflict stress and hardship on so many people that have supported the venue over decades, who have been a major factor in ensuring the survival and development of the church to its current splendid condition. The people making this decision would probably not have their own employment position if this support had not been forthcoming. Have faith in the future.

Stephen Smart (Braintree, 2020-09-12)

#1323

Music is an essential part of life.

Andrew Edwards (Chester, 2020-09-12)

#1326

I am a professional musician and churchman. I would say that this is beyond belief but, these days, nothing is. There is no logic to this move.

David Oldfield (Warlingham, 2020-09-12)

#1330

Mini maestro concerts at St Martins are fantastic! We have enjoyed many concerts and would hope to enjoy more. There is a lack of children’s classical concerts available to see.

Emma Georgiou (London, 2020-09-13)

#1335

St Martin-in-the-Fields occupies a central position physically and spiritually in the hearts and minds of Londoners, international visitors and especially, musicians. I have a studio nearby, have contributed at St Martin-in-the-Fields over many years to celebrations of the lives of Sir George Martin, Ronnie Scott, and appeared in concerts. The decision to cast out loyal musicians from its hallowed walls reveals a parochial management at play. The action by the Director of Music against professional concert promoters is unforgivable. Please rescind this decision. Thank you.

Ian Dean (London, 2020-09-14)

#1341

I'm signing to support the freelance musicians

Tom Brooks (London, 2020-09-15)

#1345

For a number of years now I have been attending your performance of Messiah each Christmas at St Martins and I am devastated to hear that these will no longer be taking place after the Covid crisis is over. Please please St Martins continue supporting the ensemble during these terrible times. Messiah in the church is the highlight of my year and I would greatly miss the ensemble's beautiful, warm and sesitive performance in this much loved church.

Tom Hill (East Molesey, 2020-09-20)

#1347

We have been members and supporters and have attended these concerts, in one of which our daughter recently featured, and have donated separately during the pandemic. This is a disappointing and unnecessary course of action, denying yet another opportunity to countless freelance musicians and will ultimately damage "the arts" even further than they have already been damaged.

David Hardstaff (Hitchin, 2020-09-20)

#1353

Jesus put people first...find a way.

Pauline Bentley (Chesterfield, 2020-09-20)

#1361

I think it is callous and unchristian to abandon all those musicians at their darkest time. I have enjoyed many concerts at St. Martin's over the years but if this decision is not reversed I won't bother to come anymore. There are plenty of other churches that put on concerts

Lucy Howard-Mathys (London, 2020-09-22)

#1363

This is an outrageous act and will cause much hardship for musicians.

Robert Ryan (London, 2020-09-22)

#1366

I'm signing this as my wife and I really enjoy coming along to concerts and our world would go into a spiralling mess if it were to stop for any reason.
Ask for donations, if it is a question of money. I'm sure you will be overwhelmed.

Anthony Mathys (London, 2020-09-22)

#1367

There could not be a worse time to cancel these concerts. Musicians and artists should be supported, not dismissed during a pandemic. They uplift our spirits in ways nothing else does.
Allow these concerts to continue!

Sabine Moffett (Mystic, 2020-09-23)

#1368

I'm signing because I think this is an outrageous decision. Christianity indeed!
Scandalous and a kick in the teeth. I shall never visit st. Martin in the Fields again

Ankie Postma (Grays, 2020-09-23)

#1372

I have been attending concerts here for several decades and the concerts have always provided excellent value for money.
These concerts have always attracted a large number of tourists who are visiting London as the church is very well located on Trafalgar Square. The loss of revenue from the ticket sales, use of the cafe and also the proceeds in the shop in the crypt will seriously impact the charitable works of the church. Do we have to risk losing this great London historical landmark to save money? Karen Rawson

Karen Rawson (London, 2020-09-24)

#1375

Amateur music is the lifeblood of culture in the Capital. A callous move and very Un-Christian. A bean counters move, not a Christian one. I am disgusted

David Jeffery (Eastbourne, 2020-09-24)

#1378

I'm signing because the music events at St. Martin's are famous also in Germany and have contributed to the attractiveness of London for German visitors. It's with deep regret to take note of this apparently shortsighted decision.
Gerd Winter

Gerd Winter (Bremen, 2020-09-25)

#1380

Ich unterschreiben, weil ich das Orchester für eine Bereicherung des Musiklebens halte und für seine Erhaltung plädiere.

Gisela v. Olshausen (Bremen, 2020-09-26)

#1385

I've been involved with the concerts as an usher for a number of years and am shocked at this decision to 'dump' the ensembles. They all have their unique strengths and collectively add to the wonderful variety that St Martin's has been able to offer. Through sheer hard work they have built up a loyal 'fan base' over the years and it seems ludicrous at this particular time not to have them back, especially as they all contribute so much to St Martin's. They will be sorely and sadly missed at Christmas this year, when they could have been helping to re-build the concerts department.

Jane McArdle (Welling, 2020-09-27)

#1388

I think it is rather callous to treat loyal musicians in this way.

Lynne Holloway (London, 2020-09-29)

#1392

I don't think the Church should be party to any action which adversely affects musicians, particularly at this time when they are struggling to make any kind of living.

Beverley Howard (London, 2020-09-30)

#1395

I have attended many concerts at St Martin's over the past 25 years as I've passed through. These are generally fine concerts - with the ensembles, soloists and directors including some of London's really fine musicians. These are not simply fringe semi-professional musicians. Many play and have played with the major London orchestras. Many other fine soloists and orchestral players have been given their start within these ensembles in the beautiful surroundings of St Martin's. I have actually listened to the Voices of St Martin's on several occasions. There are indeed some very good voices within that group. I cannot see though what musical or economic advantage, the church and it's organization see in replacing these appropriately-educated (some multi award-winning) professional musical directors. There certainly cannot be a musical argument for it.

Michael Woods (Melbourne, 2020-10-06)

#1397

I love music and these superb artists should be looked after
They are World renowned treasures

John Hayes (Perth, 2020-10-07)

#1398

I'm signing because my mother went to lunchtime concerts in St Martin's during the 2nd World War. My Auntie took her 6 year child for healing in St Martin's in the early post wat years. I and family members and friends have enjoyed excellent Medici Choir concerts in St Martin's. I am aware of St Martin's work with homeless and /or vulnerable and/or otherwise needy people. I regard St Martin's as a nationally significant home for everyone whether they be in the building, passing by, or mindful with the thought that St Martin's-in-the- Fields represents security and solace available to all people.

Jackie Lindop (London, 2020-10-07)

#1399

In the interview with Martin Feinstein and Sam Wells on Sunday I heard Martin use the word 'beseech', and it was met with silence from the vicar. This could have been mischievous editing but the news that excellence is being given the sack is still dreadful.

Hazel Kay (Whitchurch, 2020-10-08)

#1400

The music of St Martins is special, accessible, affordable and brings together audiences, dedicated staff and musicians from the world over. I will sadly no longer be working with SMITF as part of concert management due to redundancy but I fully support all the musicians and their livelihoods. Performances and concerts are vital, literally a lifeline.

Shivani Patel (London, 2020-10-09)



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