In 2021, Beare’s marked a major expansion of its long-standing philanthropic work, with the creation of Beare’s Chamber Music. A joint initiative between Beare’s Managing Director Steven Smith and music educator Jacky Woods, the project supports talented young musicians develop their chamber music performance skills.
Friends since conservatoire days, both Jacky and Steven share a passion for chamber music and, in particular, string quartets. Jacky was looking for new premises to extend Parkview Chamber – a successful chamber music venture established over 15 years ago – and Steven immediately offered the use of J & A Beare’s premises in central London on Sundays, remarking that he would “be delighted if the building was full of music“.
Each term the students will study and perform a complete string quartet, coached by a team of professional quartet players. For the students, who all share a common enthusiasm for chamber music, being in the heart of London has made this project far more accessible. and they have loved using a rehearsal space which is full of exceptional instruments, fond memories and photographs of inspirational string players who have passed through J & A Beare’s doors since 1892.
The use of Beare’s showroom, combined with the company’s financial assistance to provide student scholarships for those who would otherwise struggle with the fees, has widened access to high-quality chamber music training to talented musicians from a variety of backgrounds. Each term there are new students waiting to join the project – Beare’s welcomes any generous donors wishing to support the remarkable project to get in touch with us at violins@beares.com.
This is an amazing opportunity for these talented young musicians, and J & A Beare are thrilled to be able to support it.
