Michael James Music Trust

Registered Charity No. 283943
Artistic Directors - Raymond & Margaret James.

(Please check the forthcoming events for performances in the Minster)

Established in 1981 in memory of the young organist and conductor Michael James BA, FRCO, to discover, promote, educate and support gifted young musicians. Michael James was Assistant Director of Music at Canford School and Assistant Organist at Wimborne Minster. The town of Wimborne Minster has become the centre of what is now an independent flourishing national charity serving the community which attracts an ever increasing number of patrons and followers throughout the county and beyond.

Since the Trust was established in 1981, over 550 students have been helped to achieve their goals in the field of music.

Over four hundred organ scholars are working in Cathedrals and Churches throughout the United Kingdom and abroad. Other instrumentalists and singers are performing regularly with the national orchestras, opera, working in the teaching profession and in music therapy.

Every July,  Midday Music Box - a series of concerts by local schools, comes to the Minster every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for a week. This special children's showcase is followed by the annual visit of the London based choir "Laudemus!", when, Conducted by Jeremy Jackman the former "King's Singer", the choir sings Choral Evensong in the Minster.

2012 will be the twenty second year that this established choir visit Dorset when they take Cathedral style Evensong to remote Rural Churches in the County. 

Both Midday Music Box and Laudemus! are sponsored by the Music Trust.

Celebration Concerts during the season bring distinguished musicians to the Minster.

There has been a Michael James Music Trust recital in Southwark Cathedral every year since 1981, and Rochester Cathedral hosts a Gala Concert in 2012, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year.

During the current economic downturn, priority is given to grants for organ scholars working to obtain ARCO/FRCO qualifications. Grants cannot be given for the purchase of instruments or equipment.

The Music Trust seeks sponsorship. Donors enquiries to 01202 842 103.