The Kensington and Chelsea Music Society

KCMS was founded in the early 1960's, originally as a gramophone society, with John Juviler as its first chairman and with the active support of the late Roger Oliver. Today we continue to flourish hosting eight concerts a year, having grown gradually into an ambitious and highly respected music society. Our main objective is to provide a London platform for exciting new talent and young musicians. Over the years, we have been privileged with performances from internationally acclaimed artists such as John Lill, Imogen Cooper, John Ogden, Radu Lupu, Michiko Uchida, Felicity Lott, and Mike Westbrook as well as talks and masterclasses from Richard Baker, Carl Davis, James Lockhart and Peter Pears.

KCMS continues to enjoy a cordial relationship with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and with their Arts and Libraries Service which is responsible for the running of Leighton House. The advice, encouragement and support of our President, Lord Harewood as well as that of our seven distinguished Vice-Presidents have been invaluable in creating the Society as it exists today.

The first "musical party" at Leighton House was organised by Lord Leighton in May 1868 and KCMS upholds the tradition that made it "the best place in London where Chamber Music can be heard to advantage". Our first two concerts in the 2008/2009 season will be held in this remarkable setting. Thereafter, when Leighton House closes in November 2008 for an extensive refurbishment project, KCMS has a unique opportunity to introduce the full range of its talented artists to new audiences in two equally inspiring settings. We have had the good fortune to establish contact with St George's, Campden Hill W8 and St Andrew's, Park Walk SW10, and shall be performing three concerts in each venue to uphold the reputation of the Kensington and Chelsea Music Society.

We once again take pride in presenting young musicians of the highest international quality in our programme. We hope that you will consider becoming a Friend of KCMS to enjoy the whole season of concerts. Alternatively, we encourage you to come and hear some truly remarkable musicians and track the names of those who will dominate chamber music for many years to come.