Our Patron and Ambassadors
Our Royal Patron, the charity’s President and the Ambassadors who support us
Patron
Since 1921 we’ve enjoyed and benefitted from the patronage of the Royal Family, and are honoured to have the support of His Majesty King Charles III as our Patron.
The King was named Patron of Help Musicians in May 2024 to mark the first anniversary of the Coronation.
His Majesty has been a lifelong supporter of the arts, and his well-documented passion for music was clearly evident through his commissioning of twelve new pieces for the Coronation from world-renowned British composers.
Since forming in 1921 as the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund, the charity has been immensely fortunate to benefit from the patronage of the Royal Family, with His Majesty following George V, George VI and Elizabeth II in being the charity’s Royal Patron.
President
Our President is a key ambassador who helps raise awareness of the charity and feeds in to our work through the insight gained through their exceptional musical career.
Dame Evelyn Glennie is the only the third President in our charity’s history, following in the footsteps of Sir Edward Elgar and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies.
The double GRAMMY winning, internationally-renowned performer, composer and collaborator has worked across multiple genres of music and is known as the first person to successfully create and sustain a full-time career as a solo percussionist.
Dame Evelyn is widely regarded as a pioneer, having played the first percussion concerto in the history of the BBC Proms in 1992, as well as leading 1,000 drummers in the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games and commissioning over 200 new works for solo percussion.
Dame Evelyn is also deaf and has, with the aid of her first percussion teacher, honed her awareness of sound to such a degree that she describes her body as ‘a resonating chamber.’
A previous beneficiary of the charity whilst training as a student, her musical talent coupled with her vision, innovation and determination makes her a role model to musicians of all ages and genres.
She was made President of Help Musicians in May 2020.
Ambassadors
We are immensely grateful to our ambassadors, who donate their time, profile and expertise to support the work of the charity:
“Music is a huge part of my everyday life, and I am proud to donate towards the work of Help Musicians, knowing that if a musician becomes unwell or is injured and unable to work, I have helped ensure they are well looked after and supported.”
“For many of us, music is an incredibly important part of our lives. Through Love Music: Help Musicians, those who are passionate about music can support those whose lives are devoted to making it.”
“I cannot believe how lucky I am to have been made an Ambassador of Help Musicians. It’s a very inspiring thing for me to receive such an accolade and I am in awe of the wonderful work they do.
I hope I can reach out to more writers and musicians who are looking for a way to express themselves both musically and lyrically.”
Globally renowned as the supreme interpreter of the classical flute repertoire, Sir James Galway is a consummate performer whose appeal transcends all musical boundaries.
With over 30 million recordings sold worldwide, extensive international touring, frequent television appearances, tireless promotion of the arts and a passionate work in music education, he has been a household name for decades. His uniquely expressive interpretations of the flute literature span an extensive range of genres, from classical masterworks to high profile commissions, and provide the benchmark standard for all modern flautists.
He has also collaborated on film soundtracks such as The Lord of the Rings, and partnered such artists as Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Joni Mitchell and Sir Elton John.
The diversity of his repertoire reflects his impressive musical range, and has served to establish him as an artist of the very highest stature.
“Help Musicians supported me early in my career through six months of really serious illness. Very gradually with their help I fought my way back to good health and I’ve never forgotten that. I simply wouldn’t have the career I’m enjoying now without them. Help Musicians does a fantastic job for thousands of musicians every year. If you love music, then please help musicians.”
“Help Musicians does a great job, whether that’s encouraging new musical talent, helping established musicians when things go badly wrong or supporting older musicians to cope with retirement.
Music is wonderful and it’s a great profession to be in but it can be tough and precarious too. Help Musicians is vital to musicians. Support this great charity if you can.”
“I am so excited to be Ambassador for Help Musicians. The charity supported me during my masters, and their help was absolutely invaluable for me.
Now is an especially challenging time for musicians, both financially and emotionally, and it is charities such as this one that are so vital during these difficult periods. I am absolutely honoured to be representing them in order to support their endeavours to help other musicians at this time.”
“Help Musicians is an incredible charity. They helped me when I was starting out and make a real difference to the lives of thousands of musicians every year. If you love music, support the amazing work they do.”
“I am thrilled to take up the role of ambassador for Help Musicians, which gives such meaningful and important support to so many in the profession. This support has been even more essential during the COVID crisis that has left most musicians without work and income. It was important for me to do whatever I could to raise funds and the charity has been appreciated by musicians far and wide for the immense help that has been given to so many during this hugely difficult time. I am looking forward to adding my further support in the future and being part of this important charity.”
“It’s a great honour to become an official Ambassador for Help Musicians. The charity has been doing such vital work for nearly a hundred years and the need from musicians for our support is greater than ever.
Help Musicians want a world where musicians thrive and it is my privilege to align with such an important vision, and to represent and support the charity’s fundraising cause.”
“A career in music can be precarious at the best of times, especially for freelance workers. But the past couple of years have been particularly stressful and insecure for musicians, both financially and emotionally. Many of my pals and peers have received financial support from the charity, but the organisation offers much more than this.
I’m keen to spread the word about the wide support that’s available through the charity, and to ensure it’s distributed fairly and equitably, and meets the needs of musicians.”
“Being a musician is a thrilling career but it’s also demanding with listeners expecting artistic excellence at every performance. This constant striving to be the best, combined with an unpredictable lifestyle and earnings can leave some musicians with nothing to fall back on if things go wrong.
That’s why it’s brilliant that Help Musicians is there to help and that’s why I support what they do. If you love and care about the musical life of the UK, please support Help Musicians too.”
“It is an honour to represent Help Musicians as an Ambassador. Now more than ever it plays a crucial role in the lives of every musician. I am thrilled to be able to support this vital charity and join the thriving movement in helping musicians across the board.”
“It is a great privilege to be an Ambassador for Help Musicians. They play a life-changing role in many musicians’ lives including mine.”
“It’s fair to say that I would simply not be enjoying a career if it weren’t for the support of Help Musicians.
Coming from a working-class background, it was not the obvious choice for me to become a classical musician but their support endorsed me on my path and I’ve been compelled to give back ever since.
They have been an extraordinary force for good during the pandemic and I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together.”
“I’ve been working with Help Musicians since 2018 and have been consistently blown away by not only the huge breadth of support they offer but also the difference they make to the musicians they help.
I worked closely with the team on my book and have experienced first-hand how passionate they all are about the careers, health and business needs of our artists, so I jumped at the chance to become an official Ambassador.”
“Nothing beats the thrill of hearing live music and here in the UK we have some of the greatest musicians in the world — singers and players who continually strive to be the best they can be, in an environment which is often precarious and uncertain.
For over 100 years, Help Musicians has offered a vital lifeline to those in trouble and I am proud to be an Ambassador for this wonderful organisation.”