skip to main content
Search

New Charity Offers Grants For Period-Instrument Ensembles

In response to widespread concert cancellations since March 2020, former City director and classical music lover Tina Vadaneaux has founded a new charity, Continuo Foundation (“Continuo”).

Published: 02 February 2021 | 3:01 PM Updated: 09 June 2021 | 11:05 AM
Photograph of a lute, close up.
Drawing upon innovative thinking and technology to help period-instrument ensembles improve long-term sustainability post-Covid-19. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Established in October 2020, Continuo Foundation will give grants which create work for freelance musicians and aims to draw upon innovative thinking and technology to help period-instrument ensembles improve long-term sustainability post-Covid-19.

Since its inception, Continuo has attracted the enthusiastic patronage of Dame Emma Kirkby, Sir Roger Norrington and Rachel Podger and recruited a team of professionals from music, business and media, all contributing their time to the organisation pro bono.

Continuo has recently reached the first of many fundraising milestones, having raised £100,000 in just three months, and is now open for grant applications from period-instrument ensembles across the UK.

Grants from Continuo Foundation are open to professional UK-based period-instrument ensembles. Full details on how to apply are available on the Continuo website.

See all news

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

The MU Members' Assembly, sat in a semi-circle around the front desk and large monitor screens. Some people are making notes and others are typing on laptops.

MU Members’ Assembly Explores Regional Identity and Representation

Last week, the MU Members’ Assembly met to review regional and national representation within the Union. The meeting brought together members from across the UK to discuss how regional identity shapes their experiences and how the MU can best support musicians in different areas.

Published: 26 March 2026

Read more about MU Members’ Assembly Explores Regional Identity and Representation
MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl standing in front of Number 10 Downing Street, along with general secretaries from unions across the country.

MU General Secretary Raises AI Concerns with Prime Minister

The MU has welcomed the Government’s rethink on AI but has emphasised the importance of copyright reform to the Prime Minister. While the shift away from an opt-out system is positive, we continue to call for Government intervention to ensure musicians are fairly paid as AI licensing grows.

Published: 19 March 2026

Read more about MU General Secretary Raises AI Concerns with Prime Minister
All news and features