skip to main content

Music Lecturer to Hold Day of Lectures in Fundraising Drive for our Hardship Fund

The Verdun Allen Music Foundation will be fundraising for our Covid-19 Hardship Fund with a special day of lectures on Saturday 27 February.

Published: 17 February 2021 | 11:56 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:32 PM
Photograph of a string quartet, we can't see the musicians except for the arms holding the instruments. There is a violin in close view, behind is a blurred viola and cello.
All proceeds will go to the Musicians Union COVID 19 Hardship Fund, and donations so far have already exceeded the fundraising drive’s initial target of £1000. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The Verdun Allen Music Foundation was established in February 2016 to provide much needed adult education in Manchester. During the pandemic, the organisation has offered a number of online courses via zoom and now welcomes people throughout the UK.

A special series of lectures on Saturday 27th February will mark the organisation's 5th anniversary. All proceeds will go to the Musicians Union COVID 19 Hardship Fund, and donations so far have already exceeded the fundraising drive’s initial target of £1000.

Each session will include short recitals and opportunities for discussion. The lectures planned are:

  • 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: A Sermon in Music: Bach's Cantata BWV 140 'Wachet auf'
  • 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Exotic sounds in Debussy's String Quartet
  • 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: A National Monument: Elgar's Cello Concerto

To access one or more of the zoom lectures, email stevenrobinson1970@msn.com

Classes are free, but with a suggested donation to the MU of £10 per session.

You can find out more about Steven Robinson and the Verdun Allen Music Foundation on their website.

#KeepMusicLive

Can a UBI keep music live?

The idea of a universal basic income has been around for centuries. Now, the MU and many others believe its time has come.

Can a UBI keep music live?

Continue reading

The outside of the BBC Headquarters building.

BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch

The MU has joined sister unions in writing to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy to reiterate the key principles that should underpin the BBC Charter Review process.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch
Black and white image of a conductor in front of the orchestra pit in a theatre, cast members are on stage in the background out of focus.

MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review

We broadly welcome Baroness Margaret Hodge’s review of Arts Council England, which reflects many of the concerns raised by the MU and other creative unions. We will now press the government to respond positively to its recommendations.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review
Naomi Pohl at Labour Party Conference 2024 holding a placard that says 'Labour's New Deal for Working People'.

Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law

The MU welcomes passage of the Employment Rights Bill, which will now become law. Shaped by trade union input, the legislation represents an important step forward for workers’ rights, equality and protections, with further reforms for freelancers promised in a second phase.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law
A person's open palm holding a graphic of sound waves.

MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI

The MU is urging the Government to drop its original AI proposal after the interim consultation response revealed overwhelming opposition. With only 3% of respondents backing the preferred option, ministers must now deliver robust regulation to protect musicians’ rights.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI