The Angels of the Musicians Benevolent Fund
Two angels playing to St Cecilia, the patron saint of music,
from St Cecilia by John William Waterhouse, 1895,
a painting in the Collection of Lord Lloyd Webber
The Musicians Benevolent Fund has just held the Festival of St Cecilia, part of their ongoing programme of raising funds for musicians and their dependants when illness, accident or old age bring stress or financial burdens. Founded in 1921, the Fund distributes £2 million annually to musicians in need, and £435,000 to outstanding young musicians.
MBF's popular Carol Concert will be held at St Paul's Church in Covent Garden, December 15, at 7:30pm, and will feature the Vasari Singers conducted by Jeremy Backhouse. More details here
MBF reminds me of the Friendly Societies, which did such a good job providing health and job insurance for most Brits in the 19th century. How interesting that it is artists who have proved so enterprising and practical.
Check out the Fund's Christmas cards here
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