Important note: Laudemus! is a beneficiary of the Michael James Music Trust which is an entirely separate charity, the support of which we acknowledge with gratitude. If you wish to contact the Trust, please use the address below – do not sent communications via the Laudemus! address.
The Michael James Music Trust was established in 1981 by Raymond and Margaret James (pictured left) in memory of their son, the young organist and conductor Michael James BA, FRCO. Its mission is to discover, promote, educate and support gifted young musicians, and it has, for many years, funded places for two scholars at Laudemus!.
Michael James was Assistant Director of Music at Canford School and Assistant Organist at Wimborne Minster. He was about to take up an appointment as assistant to Barry Ferguson at Rochester Cathedral when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour; Michael died in 1981. The Trust is now an independent flourishing national charity serving the community, and attracts an ever increasing number of patrons and followers throughout the county and beyond. Following the death of Raymond James in 2016, Margaret (now Margaret Cave) continues to administer the Trust with the help of fellow Trustees.
The Trust makes annual awards to advance education in music, particularly music performed in a Christian setting for the enrichment of worship. Priority is given to young organists and choral scholars. When funds allow, other instrumentalists may be considered, but grants cannot be awarded for the purchase of instruments. The trustees can be contacted in writing at the address below.
The Administrative Trustees
4 Blind Lane, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 1NJ
01202 887681
Registered Charity No. 283943
Artistic Director: Margaret Cave