On the centenary of the death of Sir Walter Parratt, Master of the Queen’s Music from 1893 until his death, we display a selection of concert programmes from performances which were conducted by Parratt.

Handel was the first composer to have a public statue raised to his fame (Vauxhall Gardens) and the first composer to have a collected edition of his works produced (by Samuel Arnold in the period 1784-1794). In addition he was also the first to have a full-length biography published.

Annotated manuscripts, written in Coleridge-Taylor’s own hand.

RSM is lucky to receive legacies from musicians who want to continue helping fellow music professionals after their death. As well as donations and royalties, they also leave fine instruments to RSM, just as Yvonne Clarke did when she chose to leave her 1957 Voigt viola to the Society. We catch up with The Hallé Orchestra’s Victoria Stephenson, who has been the custodian of the viola for over a decade.

Portrait of the American contralto Antoinette Sterling.

One of only three known copies of The Cambridge Chimes.

A trumpeter whose long association with RSM has continued for generations.

A child prodigy who played until the day before he died.

Contentious theories on the origins of the anthem.

Master of the King’s Music and RSM President are just two aspects of the hugely varied career of composer Judith Weir. With the Coronation of HM King Charles III and Queen Camilla now less than a week away, we find out what has kept Judith inspired throughout her career and her recollections of working in such a historic role.

As any singer knows, keeping your voice in top condition is paramount to a long career. So, to run into trouble in your first year as an undergraduate is anyone’s worst nightmare, but that’s what happened to Jess Parnell. A bout of illness that left her tonsils swollen, meant she faced invasive surgery that could potentially affect her voice and her prospects. Find out how she coped and how RSM was able to help.

Composer Anthony Payne and soprano Jane Manning were at the very centre of British musical life for decades, thanks not only to their individual careers and the work they made together, but also for their incredible support for fellow musicians, which is now continuing at RSM thanks to a generous gift they have left the Society.

The composer of a March specially for RSM, one of several.

For Jay, his pursuit of a career in music was not necessarily compatible with his anxiety disorder, the act of making music for joy sometimes at odds with the act of striving for success. Find out how RSM was able to help Jay manage his anxiety and what it has meant for his career.

The tradition of the annual luncheon for RSM Members.

An autograph book with a dual meaning.