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Oxford and Cambridge Musical Club

in association with
University College London Chamber Music Club

President
Sir Neville Marriner CBE

Cambridge Shield

History
Membership
Past Concerts

Objectives of the OCMC	The Oxford and Cambridge Musical Club, which celebrated its centenary in 1999, exists to provide its members with opportunities to perform - either as instrumentalists (including pianists) or as solo or chorus singers. By experience the Club has evolved a form of organisation that enables its members to participate in - and contribute to - an ambitious and interesting concert programme, in settings which range from small-scale informality to full-scale public performances.
Membership Members views of the O&C	The Club still values its links with the Music Clubs of Oxford and Cambridge Universities, but membership is no longer limited to graduates of those (or other) universities. Enquiries are welcomed, especially from young musicians who it is hoped will continue the fine traditions of the Club. Members of the O&C generally speak highly of it, from both musical and social perspectives.
Next Concert Past Concerts	Wednesday 10th February, Early Music Chamber Concert organised by Janet Smith. Wednesday 24th February, Chamber Concert organised by John Bradley. Saturday 13th March, Concerto Workshop organised by Peter Kaldor, and conducted by Edward Kay.
News and Announcements Previous Announcements	Room Bookings Adrian Rushton has been booking rooms for rehearsals and performances now for many years, and he expressed his wish to stand down at the AGM in 2009. It has been difficult to find a successor for him. The job is not particularly time-consuming, but the person taking it on needs to be able to deal with emails regularly, and to be conscientious, and needs a combination of tact and determination in dealing with the various officials with whom we book venues at University College and other places. We are very keen to find a volunteer to take this on. Adrian will be happy to give general advice to his successor and to act as a trouble-shooter in case of difficulty. Would any member who would like to take this on please contact Michael Crowe? New Year Letter from the Chairman "This year has been an exceptionally interesting one, with a number of important anniversaries. Firstly it has been the year in which the Club, founded in 1899, held its 2000th concert, which also coincided with the Annual General Meeting. Secondly we celebrated four major composers, Purcell, Handel, Haydn and Mendelssohn, and tried to include their music in this year's concerts." Read the full letter. Schumann Concert on Wednesday 30th June Please submit contributions lasting no longer than 10 minutes in order that as many varied items as possible be included. The organiser is Margaret Miller Highlights of the Club's History At the 2000th concert, material was displayed about the history of the Club. Some of this has already been added to the web site, and more is to follow. At the centre is a new Highlight's page, which lists the major events in the Club's history. This already includes links to the programmes for the Club's 1st, 500th and 1000th concerts.
Concert Calendar 2009/10 2008/9 2007/8 2006/7 2005/6 2004/5 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 (centenary)	Club concerts range from orchestral and chamber music to song and piano recitals. Most are private occasions at which members (both amateur and professional) perform to an audience of other members and their guests. The standard of playing is often very high and the Club is believed to be the largest of its kind in the United Kingdom. Most years the Club performs up to 20 concerts, usually on Wednesdays at 8pm or on Saturdays at 5:30 pm. The Club’s regular venue for most concerts is at University College, London. A more detailed listing for the year, including the full programme for individual past concerts, is available here. For each year (on the left) we have the full programme of concerts, and the details of individual past programmes. In 2004 we changed the concert year to run from September. The reports from the Music Committee on the items presented during each year are attached to the calendars for past years. For example, the report for 2008/9 can be read here.
History of the OCMC Some history and reminiscences A Brief History Highlights A century of music making From 1899 to 1999 Remembrances	The Club was founded in 1899 by members of the two universities who wished to continue in London the musical activities which they had enjoyed as undergraduates. The Gentlemen’s Club which they formed, with spacious premises in the West End, rapidly acquired a distinguished membership including many of the leading composers and musicians of the day as well as leading figures in public life. That privileged era ended forever with the second World War. The loss of the Club’s premises in 1940 can in retrospect be seen as a liberation. When concerts began again in 1948 the Club was able to devote all its efforts to what had always been its first objective - the pleasure of making music. Since 1959 the Club’s main concert venue has been at University College, London. In February 2009 the Club reached the milestone of its 2000th concert, celebrated with a concert of orchestral and choral music. This was held at St Cyprian's Church and included the first performance of a new work by Tony Summers, composed especially for the occasion.
Organisation	The activities of the Club are organised by a number of committees. Click here to access information about the operation and structure of the Club, including AGM minutes.
Making Contact	For further information please consult any member of the Club. Application forms are available from the Membership Secretary. Members should click here to send a message about any amendments to their contact details (for the Membership Directory). Club members may also request a current copy of the Directory (which will be sent as a PDF file).
Links	The Club values its links with University College London Chamber Music Club. It also has an association with Pro Corda, the National School for Young Chamber Music Players, and joint concerts are organised. All Pro Corda alumni are encouraged to join OCMC. The latest Pro Corda newsletter can be read here.

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