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 classical music concerts a year, having grown gradually into an ambitious and highly respected London music society. Our main objective is to provide a London platform for exciting new talent and young classical 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.

The Kensington and Chelsea Music Society 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". Unfortunately, we cannot return there until next season. However we will present six concerts at two exciting venues in the borough. The first two concerts in October and November are at St Mary, the Boltons and then from February, we continue in St. George's , Camden Hill, both venues to be visited and enjoyed.

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 the 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.