The Trust was founded in 1958 by the Countess of Munster (Hilary Wilson), who devoted her life to music and who was herself a pianist of considerable talent.

Lady Munster’s generous endowment, from which the Trust’s annual income is derived, currently provides awards totalling up to £230,000 to young musicians to support postgraduate studies. The Trust also provides a small number of instrument purchase loans to former beneficiaries and runs a Recital Scheme.

The application form for postgraduate awards for the academic year 2019/20 is now available at Postgraduate Study Awards

The application form for instrument purchase loans is now available at Instrument Purchase Loans

And entries are now invited for the Stephen Oliver Award of up to £5,000 for a composer who has written a work for music theatre to assist with the cost of bringing that work to performance.

The Countess of Munster Musical Trust would like to thank the Endellion String Quartet, Roderick Williams (baritone) and Jonathan Kelly (oboe), together with everyone who helped to make the concert at Wigmore Hall on 6th December 2018 such a success. The concert was organised to raise funds for the NEIL BLACK AWARD, which is being established at the Trust to provide a legacy for future generations of woodwind players, and to help keep alive memories of a great musician. For more details of the Award and how to make a donation, see Neil Black Award