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

Comments

#611

I want to support live music

Carole Chebbi (London, 2020-07-10)

#615

I believe in maximum freedom for artists to perform. Making a church exclusive in this way is decidedly unChristian

Christopher Joseph (Marlborough, 2020-07-10)

#616

I agree with the sentiments of the petition

Anna Brown (London, 2020-07-10)

#619

The concert-goers of London need and deserve versatile and diverse ensembles at St Martin’s, and the loyal and talented orchestras and choirs who have devoted many years of service demand respect from Dr Eavis, and need the work and creative opportunity. St Martin’s, one of our national treasures, must be about more than the aspirations of one hungry individual.

Fraser Tannock (London, 2020-07-10)

#623

An utterly crazy decision, affecting many musicians at a time when the music world is struggling desperately to survive. I cannot see any logic in this, or benefit to SMITF. Trying to maintain the volume and standard of concerts the venue has enjoyed for many years will, I believe, not be possible with only 'in-house' personnel.

Edward Batting (London, 2020-07-10)

#624

As a musician I genuinely fear for my future. And if establishments do not realise they can make or break music professionals surviving I don't know who will.

Iris Korfker (Orpington, 2020-07-10)

#626

I can think of literally no valid reason why this should be seen as anything other than callous. At any time, frankly, but now? Dreadful.

Paul Hopwood (London, 2020-07-10)

#634

I've sung with the English Chamber Choir at St Martin the the Fields, be and enjoyed many concerts there. This is a callous and short-sighted decision, poorly executed.

Luke Purser (Horsham, 2020-07-10)

#636

Regular performer at St Martin in the Fields

Francois Boucard (London, 2020-07-10)

#638

This is outrageous given everything so many musicians have given to St Martins in the Fields.

Mary Stewart (Chichester, 2020-07-10)

#639

I strongly disagree with this decision and urge you to reconsider. Surely in-house ensembles cannot fill all the available concert slots at busy times of year? This will be a devastating blow to many freelance musicians and seems very short-sighted.

Jonathan Manson (Wallingford, 2020-07-10)

#641

This is the foundations of our civilisation. We can't afford to let it go!

Sara Apps (London, 2020-07-10)

#642

All artists of quality should have the right to continue raising monies for the good causes at St Martin in the fields.

Martin Seymour (Stockbridge, 2020-07-10)

#646

Music is good for everyone. Playing and listening. It is part of everyone. It helps everyone. There is never a day you don't hear music.

Katie Fenner (St Albans, 2020-07-10)

#647

The musicians of St Martin’s have brought me great joy and solace over the years

Emily Cadman (London, 2020-07-10)

#651

Everything must be done to enhance the arts!

Hardy Wilcoxon (Devizes, 2020-07-10)

#657

I have performed in St Martins for over 30 years and enjoyed every second in this wonderful historical venue. To deny loyal fans and performers of this platform is a travesty beyond comprehension. Please think again about this sad dicision.

Rita Manning (London, 2020-07-10)

#667

Music needs to be kept alive.

Susan King (Doncaster, 2020-07-10)

#684

I’m a freelance musician and have loved performing here

Louise Dearsley (London, 2020-07-11)

#686

It is a terrible shame that all these ensembles that have been performing to packed out audiences for the last 30 years at St Martin-in-the-Fields are suddenly axed particularly at a time when many musicians are facing financial ruin.

Sarah McKenna (Guildford, 2020-07-11)

#688

I want to support the musicians and the amazing work they do and joy they give to others.

Laura Maple (Enfield, 2020-07-11)

#692

Ridiculous shambolic decision.

John Ellwood (Wokingham, 2020-07-11)

#695

Any opportunity to hear live music must be preserved. St Martin in the Fields is synonymous with fine music performances.

Jennie Goossens (Tunbridge Wells, 2020-07-11)

#696

To suddenly stop access to such a wonderful venue , for important Ensembles & music makers is incredibly short sighted. St Martins has benefitted & actively encouraged this relationship for 30 years & to withdraw a source of performing & the livelihoods it supports so brutally seems unnecessary and even unChristian

Yvonne Howard (Shudy Camps,, 2020-07-11)

#699

I have been and am still a London musician and know many musicians who regularly perform as part of one of the “banned” ensembles. Greed is one of the deadly sins...

Lily Cooper (Asljunga, 2020-07-11)

#700

After many concerts with the Locrian Ensemble at SMITF over the last 12 years I am shocked to see them treated like this by SMITF. This is unbelievably shortsighted of SMITF and will have a huge impact on the musicians and the quality of concerts there.

Julie Cooper (London, 2020-07-11)

#702

This is opportunism pure and simple, and it will cause much hardship to musicians.

Anne Marie Twomey (Wicklow, 2020-07-11)

#706

I believe the church should support everyone and the concerts are amazing.

Liz Crouch (London, 2020-07-11)

#713

These orchestras need out support and SMITF has been a home to their work for years

Graham Hill (Lincoln, 2020-07-11)

#718

The pleasure & sense of community is too precious to loose. These orchestras & choirs & groups are part of our lives and culture.
Please, please reconsider.

Colin Dyer-Jones (E, 2020-07-11)

#721

Why change the way concerts at St Martins have worked successfully for years? The music ensembles on the list have built up a following , who attend regularly ! What is the logic , financial perhaps? Having been a member of the world famous Academy of St Martins in the Fields , I feel very strongly that the existing system should remain!

Chris Laurence (London, 2020-07-11)

#728

This valuable venue is wonderful for mudic

Elaine Hallam (London, 2020-07-11)

#732

As a musician who has helped support St Martins over the years I think this decision is short sighted and disgraceful. It shows a lack of morality and Christianity to fire people working with them for decades, without discussion, who have helped by bringing in revenues and resources and making St Martins what it is today.

Emma Alter (London, 2020-07-11)

#739

To take a decision like this, which adversely affects the future livelihoods of many musicians in London whose income has already been cut to almost zero, and with no consultation or warning is callous in the extreme. It seems there is something else behind it which is not being revealed. Either way, those responsible should be ashamed, and this decision needs to be reversed.

Oliver Webber (London, 2020-07-11)

#740

The livelihood of loyal musicians- who have brought income to St Martin in the fields for years - is at stake. Please reconsider this detrimental decision.

Joanna Byford (Horsham, 2020-07-11)

#749

I’m signing because I have worked for approximately 30 years as a freelance musician in London as a member of Belmont Ensemble of London and Trafalgar Sinfonia, regularly playing to sell out audiences at Saint Martins. This was a massive part of my freelance income and I feel strongly for those still working in London that this should be able to continue,supporting many different groups and individual musicians.

Richard Fomison (Brisbane, 2020-07-11)

#751

St Martin in the Fields should be supporting musicians at this incredibly difficult time , not casting them out and adding to their tough times. I hope they reverse this decision.

Iona Hassan (London, 2020-07-11)

#752

We must protect our musicians to avoid the arts being lost for ever in this country.

David Hardwick (London, 2020-07-11)

#753

This is a ridiculous decision. Surely these concerts and ensembles are an 'added value' to the work of this church, it's cultural standing in the capital and bring in thousands upon thousands of tourists every year. In the long term, this will be both massively damaging to both the future of music and the role of this church.

Sarah Dacey (London, 2020-07-11)

#755

I have enjoyed many many concerts by the groups listed on this petition, over many years.
St Martins is a special place of sanctuary in London and should be open to the widest possible number of musicians to play for Londoners and visitors. To reflect London’s diversity, and to honour the Christian ideal of ‘open to all’ St Martins should be expanding - not restricting - access to use of the venue.

Andrea Creech (Québec, 2020-07-11)

#757

I’m signing because many orchestras and freelance musicians rely on this source of income and creative outlet

Sarah Willson (London, 2020-07-11)

#759

It is a calllous and unnecessary move and musicians deserve much more e=respect than this.

Linda Hardwick (Malvern, 2020-07-11)

#762

I have been to many splendid concerts at St. Martin's in the field and it would be a real shame to lose all those talented musicians.

Katherine Atkins (Southend on Sea, 2020-07-11)

#765

I’m appalled at this decision and shocked that the church would be so heartless at this time plus behave so callously. Shame on them.

Angela Williams (Chippenham, 2020-07-11)

#768

I love visiting and listening to the music, I am an advocate for the homeless in my own hometown and my cousin is one of the loyal musicians who love performs in your church.

Julie Hagerty (Cincinnati, 2020-07-11)

#772

I'm signing because my Mum plays with the Belmont Ensemble and it would be tragic for the church to cancel all ensembles there when they have brought so much to the community.

Emma Williams (Chippenham, 2020-07-11)

#773

I am signing this petition because I know that St.Martin's administration will be the losers if this proposed idea goes ahead. The church, and what it stands for, has been a national inspiration, and to go to a concert there has become a part of that inspiration. The variety of music groups that have given us so much pleasure, have also been invaluable for bringing along new talent and a superb quality of music making into the lives of thousands. Please do not throw the baby out with the bath water; It would be extremely foolish !

Damaris Micklem (Edinburgh, 2020-07-11)

#776

For a friend who is very talented and for
the love of music .

Judith Jameson (Bedfordshire, 2020-07-11)

#785

I know that music and musicians are essential to us and play a vital part in the life and spirit of our country. I would fight against anything that reduces its occurrence and impact.

Jancis Ham (Lewes, 2020-07-11)

#787

I’m signing because this is a tradition that my Nan introduced to me a long time ago and it seems such a shame to end it now?

Jacqueline Bell (Ripley, 2020-07-11)

#789

I performed in and directed concerts with various orchestras for ten years In St. Martin’s and actually promoted concerts there for another ten years as director of the Chamber Ensemble of London. My concerts were terminated there after I had literally contributed to the building of the wonderful new facilities. I may have financially made a loss for many concerts, but St. Martin’s always took their considerable profit, of course.
This is the ultimate blow to the music profession and casts a HUGE shadow over the businesses which operate behind the moral facade of ‘the church’.
Outrageous- and in this time of insecurity when one would expect to look towards our religious Institutions for reassurance.
Not forgetting the portion of profits brought in by musicians, which one would assume might go towards the HOMELESS under the Wings of St. Martin’s. MUSICIANS HELPED BUILD ST. MARTIN’S- THEY EVEN SERVED TO PUT THE CHURCH ON THE INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL MAP.

Peter Fisher (London, 2020-07-11)

#792

In support of friends and family who have been so loyal to this cause and whose livelihoods will be affected by this unnecessarily harsh policy

Meg Weller (Barnsley, 2020-07-11)

#795

I support the causes of the various ensembles who have worked here, having worked with one of them. I also know how badly they can be treated. They provide a very high standard and interesting variety of music to be enjoyed by Londoners and the large number of tourists here.

Gillian Rae-Walker (EH34, 2020-07-11)

#796

Having played at St Martin's many times in the past myself, I feel it is stunningly unChristian, at this time of all times, for the management to abandon the superb musicians who have made it their life's work to build up the venue's reputation. I can only imagine it is driven by the devil of greed himself.

Richard Percy (Malvern, 2020-07-11)

#797

Supporting all those whose income will be stopped by this arbitrary decision

Peter Weller (Gateshead, 2020-07-11)

#798

I attendant the christmas Carol concert every year.

Drewry Pearson (Dublin, 2020-07-11)



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