The Stradivari Trust was set up in 2004 by Nigel Brown OBE, whom we have very recently lost. He will be missed by many.

The Trust works to promote music in various forms including gifting musical prizes and holding concerts, but is best known for its assistance in organising the procurement and ongoing administration of fine stringed instruments for aspiring musical careers. Nigel's first scheme was for Nigel Kennedy and this gave inspiration to form the Trust, which has gone on to help musicians including Steven Isserlis, Lawrence Power, Guy Johnston, Jennifer Pike and Natalie Clein. To date there have been 60 schemes and there are currently 23 running. It is the only scheme we are aware of where the artist is allowed and encouraged to buy out the instrument during its twenty year term.

The costs of the finest instruments continue to rise steeply in value and are out of reach of young professionals. This gap only continues to widen. The work of the Trust is to find contributors and administer the instrument schemes to facilitate young British professionals accessing fine instruments in support of their burgeoning careers. Your donations will enable the Trust's work to continue, under the stewardship of its core staff and its volunteer trustees. The more we raise, the more schemes we can co-ordinate to help nurture young professionals to reach their true potential.

The Trust continues to host regular concerts to showcase young musicians and give them valuable opportunities in the world of classical music. Future plans include hosting and fostering greater support and relationships between established musicians and the next generation, through public masterclasses.

Thank you for your support of this unique initiative.