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The Robert Bouffler Music Trust was established in 1988 to sustain the spirit and objectives of the late Robert Bouffler's work, by encouraging and supporting young musicians from the East Surrey area. We provide practical support for young musicians up to the age of 18 years, especially those whose families have limited means.
Robert Bouffler always recognised the value of helping amateur musicians to strive for their full potential, and the Trustees will consider all requests for help, whether or not a professional career in music is the objective.
The trust has helped students to buy brass, woodwind and stringed instruments, as well as having two pianos currently on long-term loan to young pianists. We are able to help with obtaining and affording musical tuition and can arrange and pay for repairs to instruments or simply help with buying expensive sheet music.
An important and expensive part of our support for young musicians is to promote local concerts and workshops which give young performers a chance to meet and work with professional musicians and to perform in public in front of a paying audience.
These concerts and a bi-annual opera with a cast, orchestra and technical team drawn from local students, also help to bring the Trust to the attention of potential candidates for our help. They take place at the end of months of auditions and rehearsals culminating In a week's Intensive opera course and four live performances at the Barn.
Are you 18 years old or under, an enthusiastic and talented musician living in the Tandridge, Reigate or Banstead area, and needing help to get further with your music? Most of all, if you have a love for music, but are being stopped from going further by financial difficulties, let us know. Either call or write personally or get a parent or teacher to contact us, and we will try to make sure you get the extra help Robert always gave his own students.
The Trust, which is a registered charity, relies mainly on funding from local organisations and from individuals. You can help by becoming a friend. Friends of the Trust receive an annual newsletter and advance information of concerts, opera performances and masterclasses.