A rare gem from our archive which looks beyond British borders to the music scene on continental Europe in the 19th century.

Ahead of The Really Big Chorus performance of Handel’s Messiah this November, we look back to the annual performances of Handel’s Messiah which took place for the benefit of RSM for 50 years, including during our centenary year of 1838. This featured celebrated tenor John Braham, who was made an Honorary Member for his services.

Following a successful career as a player, John Smith has spent much of the last few decades standing up for the rights of musicians across the UK. Underlining this work has been his longstanding membership of RSM, which he first joined in August 1973. To celebrate the 52^nd anniversary of his time at the Society, he looks back on what got him here.

A cantata composed for the benefit of RSM in 1835, mentioning the Society’s ballot box.

Meet flautist and RSM Member Maggie Ogonovsky, who celebrates 50 years of membership in July 2025. To mark this milestone, she tells us how she first became a musician and got involved with the Society.

Violinist George Bridgtower joins as a Member in 1807

An unusual playbill printed on silk for the Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Meet Jeordie Shenton, Programmes Lead for Tonic Music, the charity working towards good mental health within music communities. As an RSM referral partner, both charities work together closely to make sure musicians in need are getting the help they need. Find out more about Jeordie's path into the music industry and what Tonic is doing to help.

A portrait of former RSM Member William Dorrell, who taught piano and viola at the Royal Academy of Music

Isabella’s work Rusty Swan-Neck Moss for solo cello, will receive its premiere at our upcoming Jacqueline du Pré concert at Wigmore Hall, performed by Adrian Brendel. Find out more about her beginnings as a composer and her process for creating works.

Head and shoulders above the rest, this item is a bust of flautist Richard Carte, presented to the Society in 1981.

A look at the earliest document relating to the Society’s founding, the Declaration of Trust, which features the names of the original 230 subscribers, including Handel

We’re delighted to announce the election of acclaimed jazz percussionist Orphy Robinson MBE and re-election of Carl Jackson MVO, organist and Director of Music, Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace, to our Board of Governors.

Take a look at this 18th century pencil drawing of pianist, violinist and composer William Dance, who played a major part in the governance of the Society during his lifetime.

Do you know what an ‘Angelute’ is? Learn more about its inventor John Charles Ward.

Hand surgeon Ian Winspur, who treated many RSM musicians over the years, has died. Read his obituary, written by Katherine Butler, clinical specialist in Hand Therapy and BAPAM clinician

An autographed manuscript of Puccini’s Humming Chorus from Madama Butterfly

It’s never too early to start thinking about your will, and as musicians, there are so many more options of what you can leave. Two Members have chosen to remember RSM, gifting royalties in the case of Clare Tyack and historic instruments in the case of Emily White as an ongoing legacy to the Society which can benefit musicians in need for generations to come.