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- London Editor-Melanie Eskenazi
- Founder - Len Mullenger
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AND HEARD NEWS ARTICLE Young
Singers’ Welfare Foundation: launched by Sir Thomas
Allen (BK)
Sir Thomas Allen CBE is among the renowned individuals launching a
major new initiative to support singers experiencing financial
hardship as a consequence of a serious illness or medical
condition.
The Young Singers' Welfare Foundation is a new
charitable trust that will support UK-based self-employed
classical singers under the age of 40 who suffer financial
hardship as a result of a serious medical condition or illness,
such as cancer.
Support will be given in the form of a one-off grant or as payment
for items, services or facilities, such as private medical
treatment if required. The Foundation will also operate a referral
service to other organisations that may be able to assist on a
case-by-case basis.
Sir Thomas is Patron of the Foundation, and among its Trustees are
renowned singer and vocal professor Lillian Watson, eminent cancer
surgeon Professor Kefah Mokbel, and ENO Chairman Vernon Ellis.
As Lillian Watson says:
“There has long been a need for a Foundation such as this, to
support young singers who are battling serious illnesses or
medical conditions. It is difficult enough for a talented young
singer to establish a career in classical music, without having to
contend with major health issues. The YSWF is an extremely
worthwhile enterprise, and will help to safeguard the future of
classical singing in the UK, and the futures of some deserving
young singers.”
The Young Singers' Welfare Foundation is formally launched on 17
January 2008 with a VIP fundraising concert and reception in
central London starring Sir Thomas Allen, Lillian Watson, Donald
Maxwell and the Prince Consort. Tickets are £50pp (to include wine
and canapes) and can be ordered directly from the Foundation -
either email info@yswf.org.uk or call the Treasurer on +44 7908
386846.
The Foundation aims to raise over £500,000 to create an endowment,
safeguarding the services it will offer to future generations of
singers. If you would like donate, please visit the Foundation’s
website at www.yswf.org.uk.
Foundation Secretary Jennifer Johnston (Tel: +44 7971 175432)
hopes that people will be willing to support the Foundation
through any kind of additional media coverage. For further
information, please contact her.
Bill Kenny