Period-instrument ensembles can apply for funding to carry out a range of creative projects that will bring live music to communities across the UK, particularly in communities that lack access to high-quality live music.

Grants of between £2,000 and £8,000 are available for professional ensembles playing period music and instruments to mobilise projects of outstanding artistic merit and create meaningful work for freelance period musicians, whilst engaging a wide range of audiences with historically informed live performances.

The focus of Round Five is to provide the funds and confidence needed for ensembles to plan and carry out a range of creative projects that will bring inspiring live music to communities across the UK, particularly in areas which lack access to high-calibre live music.

Grants can be used by a period-instrument ensemble to:

• Provide the funding to enable a concert at risk of being cancelled or downsized.
• Fund a new project where there is uncertainty about audience size.
• Fund a chamber recital series.
• Tour an existing programme to new UK locations.
• Create a filmed concert which can be used to generate further touring opportunities.

Grants are available for UK-based professional ensembles with at least three musicians playing period instruments (or faithful replicas) and focusing primarily on music repertoires from the Middle Ages up until the early 19th Century (the 1850s). Funding is for projects taking place between April and September 2023.

The deadline for applications is 6 February 2023. 

How To Apply

The deadline for applications is 6 February 2023. Decisions are expected to be announced by the 23 March 2023.

Guidance notes and an online application form are available from the Continuo Foundation’s website.