The Bazley Award
The Bazley Award
New Bazley Award opens up ensemble music-making for young musicians
More young musicians across Merton will be able to take part in MMF ensembles thanks to a generous donation from the Dundonald Musical Trust, which has enabled the creation of the new Bazley Award.
Made in memory of local music education advocates Joanna and Desmond Bazley, the donation will be added to MMF’s TEMPO Fund and provide eligible pupils with free access to ensemble membership through the new Access and Progression Bursary.
The award aims to remove financial barriers, helping more children and young people take part in musical ensembles and benefit from the musical, social and personal development that playing together can bring.
A lasting legacy of music education
Joanna and Desmond Bazley were long-term Wimbledon residents with a deep love of music and a strong commitment to their local community.
Desmond played the piano and sang with numerous London ensembles before his death in 2015. A talented musician, he once stepped out of the bass section of the Royal Philharmonic Choir to accompany the choir at sight when its professional accompanist failed to turn up.
Joanna played the violin and recorder, and together they ran several musical clubs at Dundonald Primary School. Their most notable achievement was the school’s highly successful orchestra, for which Desmond arranged all the music.
Before her death in 2018, Joanna established the Dundonald Musical Trust to advance musical education among young people living, studying or being educated in and around Merton. The Trust’s work focuses on providing opportunities for young musicians to experience ensemble playing and perform in concerts.
The Bazley Award continues this vision, helping ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent young musicians from accessing the opportunities that ensemble membership provides.
Investing in young musicians across Merton
MMF is extremely grateful to the trustees of the Dundonald Musical Trust for choosing to honour Joanna and Desmond’s legacy in this way. Their generosity will help more young musicians develop their skills, build confidence, form friendships and experience the sense of belonging that comes from making music together.
Read about the lives and work of Joanna Bazley and Desmond Bazley.
To find out more about MMF’s TEMPO Fund and apply for a Bazley Award through the Access and Progression Bursary, click on the button below:
