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

Comments

#801

I believe in fairness.

John Bean (Leicester, 2020-07-11)

#805

This is a rather short sighted decision on the part of SMTF. This will severely impact the music making of the many fine ensembles that have put SMTF on the London musical map.

Peter Cigleris (London, 2020-07-11)

#809

The music industry needs more support, not to be treated like this. Wholly un-Christian!

Lowri Williams (Sidcup, 2020-07-11)

#811

Music should be shared and varied music performed by differing orchestras and groups. Very shameful for a Church to make this arbitrary decision without consultation.

WENDY WATKINS (COBHAM, 2020-07-11)

#812

This decision is outrageous and without any forethought for all those involved - from loyal players and musicians to audiences.

It has to be reversed.

Sheila Blanco (Guildford, 2020-07-11)

#813

I regularly attend concerts in London and the range of musical events at St Martins makes it a favourite venue.

David Lancaster (York, 2020-07-11)

#814

This is outrageous!!!

Melissa Widger (Romsey, 2020-07-11)

#817

I'm signing because I love coming to St. Martin's in the Fields and hearing people practicing in the daytime and concerts in the evenings. I particularly loved the last evening concert that I went to in which Trafalgar Sinfonia played. I took my mother. It was the last concert before she died. She loved it. I loved it. I was so impressed by them. Please do not do away with all those musicians from their various groups. It really enhanced your cause.

Stefany Reich-Silber (Berkeley, 2020-07-11)

#818

I'm signing because St Martin in the Fields, of all places because of its location and spiritual purpose, should provide a place for musicians to thrive and it should not close its doors.

Wayne Henderson (London, 2020-07-11)

#820

Because I think it’s disgusting that people can be treated this way!!

Jan Owens (Preston, 2020-07-12)

#823

One Saturday evening a few summers ago I attended a concert given by the Belmont Ensemble at St. Martins in the Fields. It was a spur of the moment decision. The music, Mozart and Handel was beautiful and breathtaking. I shall never forget that evening. Please reconsider this decision. Thank you. John

John Stevenson (Vancouver, 2020-07-12)

#829

The decision is not fair and needs to be reversed

Sarah Knox (Pool in Wharfedale, 2020-07-12)

#840

I am a volunteer working for one of the ensembles which has been dumped by SMITF. This is an ill-considered decision which will catastrophically reduce the range and artistic diversity brought to audiences while also damaging SMITF's reputation as a prestigious London music venue.

Desmond Smith (London, 2020-07-12)

#846

I'm signing because I've played concerts with the London Octave for years..with friends ..It feels so brutal to be abruptly sacked for no apparent reason..
All the fantastic repertoire especially Bach, Handel and Vivaldi which are perfect for the smaller 'intimate' St Martins venue..
Playing with friends rather than colleagues which makes all the difference..
As a freelance I have had all concerts cancelled upto May 2021 so this timing couldn't be worse. It feels like classical concerts have been annihilated at one fell swoop. Playing for neighbours on the street won't pay the bills etc..The church is making a horrible decision just to have in house concerts because as I understand it one man wishes to become a conductor with the in house choir.

Clare Hoffman (London, 2020-07-12)

#849

It will be a tragedy if all the past effort in creating this concert venue is wasted. A great loss to the musicians and to the music loving public.

Anne Lawrence (GUILDFORD, 2020-07-12)

#852

I have performed there many times as both conductor and pianist and support the importance of the venue, it’s work with the homeless and it’s provision of work for so many freelance musicians.

Paul Bateman (Halstead, 2020-07-12)

#855

A musician friend is directly affected by this decision.

Marcel Everett (Dunstable, 2020-07-12)

#856

Music is so important to the community.

Ishani Bhoola (New York, 2020-07-12)

#861

I believe this to be a very poor and I'll thought out decision by St Martin's. A large section of the audience are regular supporters of the current ensembles, and many attend based on the reputation that these ensembles have created over the years. I strongly believe that if they go ahead, they will be very financially worse off.

Neil McTaggart (London, 2020-07-12)

#862

To support musicians who have been an integral part of St.-Martin-in-the Fields’ artistry and reputation.

Lisa Clarke (Fairfax, 2020-07-12)

#866

I care. I am a musicians mother and I care very much. This is a deploreable way to behave. Please think again!

Linda Betts (New Milton, 2020-07-12)

#867

I understand the economics of your decision but this will have huge repercussions and is very much against the spirit of Saint Martin’s. I have sung there in both professional and amateur gigs over the last 45 years and would hate to see its nature change.

Carole Elphick (Muswell Hill, 2020-07-12)

#878

Don’t do this, please!

Gisela Kreglinger (Birmingham, 2020-07-12)

#879

I believe that the creative arts are a humanising force that needs our support

Anthony Letts (Guildford, 2020-07-12)

#884

This is an act of self harm to St Martins, in every way, not to mention the harm done to all the loyal groups of musicians who have played there regularly for many years. If it ain't broke-don't fix it!

Christopher Bevan (London, 2020-07-12)

#895

It’s the right thing to do.
The changes appear to be motivated by personal ego, not the greater good.

Robin Kearon (Orlando, 2020-07-12)

#896

I’m signing because this is just wrong. Music is a gift and musicians have blessed St Martins with it, surely it is the Christian thing to do to welcome them in and give them the shelter and comfort they’ve offered St Martins?

Rachel Coles (Northampton, 2020-07-12)

#898

St Martin's is a venue iconic of the link between the musical life of the UK and the charitable work of the church which is irreplaceable.

Martin Robson (Haslemere, 2020-07-12)

#902

I've devoted my entire working life (3 decades) to St Martin-in-the-Fields, working with them to build a commercially and artistically successful concert series - To cast us out in this brutal manner, in the midst of a global pandemic, with no consultation and no warning is an absolute disgrace. We had offered to help rebuild when the time was right, but never even received a reply. How they can call themselves Christians is beyond me

Peter G Dyson (London, 2020-07-12)

#910

The wide variety of musical ensembles who use this beautiful church means a wider choice of repertoire and experience for audiences and performers alike.

Catharine Rogers (Charing, 2020-07-13)

#912

Musicians are struggling and need support.

Elizabeth Weldon (Lancing, 2020-07-13)

#917

This is key to London’s musical culture!

Benjamin Carnell (London, 2020-07-13)

#918

Music brings all people together where are you are professional Amata it would be a shame ifIf this went

Joe Ifill-Hosier (Brighton, 2020-07-13)

#919

I'm signing because I have on a few occasions directed London Octave concerts at St Martin's and have been aware of the quality of the concerts, the size and diversity of the audiences, and its enthusiasm. I cannot understand why the decision should have been made to scrap such concerts in favour of what will inevitably be a more limited range of performances.

Andrew Watkinson (Welwyn Garden City, 2020-07-13)

#920

Having seen and enjoyed several concerts at St Martins, this feels like an incredibly short-sighted and callous decision.

Chris Green (Coventry, 2020-07-13)

#928

I agree that St. Martin-in-the-Fields are being surprisingly callous and obviously un-Christian with this act.

Christopher Landor (London, 2020-07-13)

#929

In this time all of the arts should be coming together, not casting each other aside with an 'everyone for themselves' attitude.

Sarah Waters (Birmingham, 2020-07-13)

#934

This is a disgraceful way to treat such talented people who have worked so hard over the years to make this venue so popular with all of us. What a special place it is for tourists too, who expect to be entertained at such a high level because of the reputation that St Martin-in-the-Fields has built up over the years.

Gillian Christmas (Little Bromley, 2020-07-13)

#938

Everytime I come to London, I go to listen to a concert in St Martin in the Fields. I always enjoied the quality of music

Rossella Ghirlanda (Rome, 2020-07-13)

#947

I'm signing because I think it is unthinkable and outrageous the behaviour of a place of faith that benefitted over so many years from the work and artistry of so many musicians.
I hope that musicians and agents will take a stand and boycott the new 'management' for the foreseeable future or until the exciting course of action is reversed.

Cristian Persinaru (Caterham, 2020-07-13)

#952

I am a violinist and have often performed at this beautiful church, to full and very appreciative audiences. These performances form part of my income and that of many of my colleagues.

Diane Moore (barnet, 2020-07-14)

#955

I have many friends and family members who are musicians and I'm a choir singer myself.

Michael Knee (Petersfield, 2020-07-14)

#956

I am amazed at the thoughtlessness of this action. I am personally sick to death of the church and all her actions, principally because it has done me great harm personally; but now it is coming for my fellow musicians, and it should be ashamed of itself.

Nick Butters (Brampton, 2020-07-14)

#957

At a time when the situation for freelance musicians is unprecedentedly appalling, this is just another kick in the teeth.

Jane Warren (Worcester, 2020-07-14)

#959

This is absolutely preposterous! A stab in the back for all those loyal employees over the years that have made the venue what it is today and selfish behaviour to use such an awful situation that is COVID-19 to change things for their own gain.

Ann-Marie Shaw (Leicester, 2020-07-14)

#965

This is an outrageous blow to musicians who have supported St Martin in the Fields with loyalty and passion and it is a cowardly way of delivering that blow. Shame!

Rob Smith (Cardiff, 2020-07-14)

#966

Music!!!!!!

Eric Hoeprich (Totternhoe, 2020-07-14)

#967

We all need LIVE MUSIC!!!!!

Joy Hall (Wigton, 2020-07-14)

#976

Music matters, now more than ever.

Charlotte Collier (London, 2020-07-15)

#984

Major changes need the widest consultation. Crises demand everyone’s support. The SMIF concert series is one of the greatest in London and draws people into the Church. It would be madness not to go on exploring a way for it to continue. Who knows who will provide the solution? Please talk more.

Revd John Burniston (London, 2020-07-15)

#985

St.Martin-in-the-Fields has provided music, care for the homeless, a place to meet friends in the cafe. An oasis for thousands who retreat from the bustle of London. The musicians set up the atmosphere with gorgeous sounds. How can anyone take it all away at this time of disaster. Remember the concerts at the National Gallery during WW2? They meant so much to the population.

Jane Salemson (Chapel Hill, 2020-07-15)

#987

I sing with the London Octave Choir to a packed Church on an annual basis.
It brings a wonderful Religious experience in this increasingly anti-Christian world.

Jean Bentley (NEW ASH GREEN, 2020-07-15)

#988

Music at St Martins is vital to the cultural life of London and the wellbeing of its citizens

Colin Mair (Reading, 2020-07-15)

#992

Music is essential at all times, but particularly in times of trouble.

Jane Wickenden (Gosport, 2020-07-15)

#993

Many reasons, but I have taken part in services and concerts at St.Martins since the 1960s: it is a vital hub for concerts, which are always well attended so presumably profitable as well as musically essential, and I can't understand why this part of this most prominent church's activities should be dismissed, I hope the charitable work continues too, but the musical part is vital as well. Not very Christian, is it - when throughout the pandemic the church generally has maintained a rather obvious silence. Keep the music going.

Gill Hallifax (london, 2020-07-15)

#996

St Martin-in-the-Fields has a wonderful acoustic, where talented musicians have made great music. And the success of their concerts has contributed financially to SMITF. Now is not the time to lock them out! Audiences will return (one day), great music will be made again, and the contributions these concerts can make will assist SMITF with their wonderful work, particularly with the homeless.

Charles Metcalfe (Balcombe, West Sussex, 2020-07-15)

#998

This is lunacy

Matthew Elston (London, 2020-07-15)

#999

I have recently retired as a working musician, who incidentally used to play at St Martin's. I know just how tough musicians' lives are, and how much they give to the entire community. This will not benefit anyone who has given so much for the last 30 years, and it is shameful that it is happening.

Colin Sheen (Leatherhead, 2020-07-15)



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