The Musicians Company

In the 19th century the Musicians Company placed musical philanthropy at its core. Today, as the only Livery Company dedicated to the Performing Arts, the Company remains committed to preserving musical excellence in the United Kingdom now and in the future.

Through the Musicians Company Charity, its primary mission is to support young and early-career musicians as they pursue further education and build their careers in what is a very challenging environment and an increasingly demanding industry. Through its Young Artists Programme, it offers performance opportunities at festivals and concerts across the UK, teaching opportunities in schools and community settings, and professional development through workshops and talks with industry partners.

However, its biggest focus is on offering scholarships, bursaries and awards so that talented young musicians, regardless of their background, can learn from the finest teachers in conservatoires, universities and specialist music schools across the UK. Recognising the significant financial burden on young musicians, the Company provides over 100 awards each year, some through its own competitions and others in collaboration with conservatoires, university departments and military schools of music.

The Company's support spans a wide range of genres in performance and composition, with equal commitment to classical music, jazz, popular music and brass bands.

Over the last five years, the Musicians Company has reviewed the operation of its awards and the finances that have supported it, in order to protect the longer-term stability of its support to young musicians. One of the outcomes was a recommendation to sell some of the Company’s assets which are neither used nor displayed, and which have been in storage for many years because of their value.

This recommendation came about because, if it is to continue to spend in excess of £400,000 a year on charitable activities - the Awards to young musicians and Young Artists Programmes - it needs to boost its charitable funds. At the moment, in this difficult financial market, the Company is having to use some capital as well as the annual return from its investments. That cannot continue and so they have looked at ways to enhance capital. Through this auction, at no cost to the Livery, the Company hopes to make a number of their awards financially secure for the future.

Auction Highlights

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Auction Details

Auction: 
Tuesday 23 September 2025, 10.30am BST
Dreweatts, Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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Viewing:
Viewing in London (highlights):

• Tuesday 9 September: 10am-4pm
• Wednesday 10 September: 10am-4pm

Viewing in Newbury (full sale):

• Thursday 18 September: 10am-4pm
• Friday 19 September: 10am-4pm
• Sunday 21 September: 10am-3pm
• Monday 22 September: 10am-4pm

Further Information:
General enquiries: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | jsw@dreweatts.com
Press enquiries: press@dreweatts.com