The Turners’ Company charity has commissioned a ‘consort’ of eight turned medieval-style recorders
Made by Tim Cranmore, one of the UK’s leading instrument makers, the consort will be loaned to the Guildhall School of Music & Drama for teaching and performances by students specialising in woodwind instruments and historical performance.
The Turners’ Company has long links with the traditions of instrument making, dating back to the 1600s.
The new Consort will inspire both music students and young instrument makers, as well as allowing the Company to reach a broader audience with the ‘art and mysterie’ of our craft.
The Commission
The Company’s charity has contributed funding to the project which has also been supported by five individual gifts by members of the Company for named instruments.
Through contact with Ian Wilson, Professor of Woodwind at Guildhall School, a world-leading conservatoire based at the Barbican in the heart of the City of London, the idea took shape.
Finding the right instrument maker was key and Tim Cranmore, with 30 years experience, was invited to take up the commission. “Tim is not only the best maker in the UK, he’s also a very fine demonstrator’ says Ian Wilson.
The Consort will comprise eight instruments in two different keys to maximise the repertoire that can be played. Being made from European pear wood will give a warm sound, fitting for the genre.
We are delighted that Jack Darach, the Turners’ 2016 QEST Scholar, who trains with Tim, will be able to help in the voicing and tuning of the Consort.
Ian Wilson says that “to commission the first-ever set of medieval wood-turned instruments will have an enormously positive impact on our students.
“It is an exciting tool for education, a vital aid to those at Guildhall working in historical performance and an asset the School will be proud to show off through regular performances and its outreach activities.”
Wide-reaching events – year round
Launching in November 2018 at the Early Music Exhibition in Greenwich, a range of events are planned during the year supported by the Guildhall School which will also promote the Consort through social and other media.
This support will enable news about the Consort to reach around 5,000 members of the School’s general audience, its 23,000 followers on social media and over 1,000 school children.
Events planned include:
• Photo exhibition of the Consort, the project and development of the idea.
• 30-second ‘sizzle’ film for social media.
• Visit by students and professors from the Historical Performance department to Tim’s workshop to see the instruments being made.
• After-dinner entertainment by students at a Company Dinner using the Turners’ Consort.
• Demonstration to Members by Tim Cranmore.
• Recital by Guildhall students at Milton Court to a privately invited audience from the Livery and City.
• Outreach visits by Guildhall students to demonstrate and teach in schools.
In summary, the Turners’ Consort meets the fundamental mission of the Company – to support the living craft, the City and our charitable giving in a modern and fresh way.
Renter Warden Melissa Scott
