About us
From an early age, John Armitage's life was surrounded by choral and church music, as his father had been a Precentor at Westminster Abbey and later the Rector of St. Bride's Church, Fleet Street. As he was a trumpet player, John was also keen on brass music.It was therefore decided that music for chorus, brass and organ should form the core of the project.
In the summer of 2000, a group of people, including Edward Armitage, Onyx Brass and Robert Jones - director of music at St. Bride's Church, Fleet Street - began exploring John's original idea, that of promoting the works of young and lesser known composers, and a format started to take shape:
Each year JAM invites composers to submit music for brass quintet, organ and choir to the panel. From these submissions, and a commissioned work by an established composer, the panel creates a concert programme.
Anyone of any age or stage may submit music to the project.
The project's panel looks at every piece submitted before deciding on the project's annual programme.
Whilst students are particularly targeted, the ages of composers submitting music to the project has varied from early twenties to late sixties.
All works submitted to the JAM must be written for brass quintet, organ and choir, or any combination of these forces. This adds a great educational discipline; that of having to write for a specific musical force. Whilst these are not common forces, when handled well they are very effective.
Music submitted to JAM does not have to be Church music.
Once the panel has chosen JAM's annual programme, a series of performances is setup.
Each year the first performance is recorded. This recording may be used by the composers, performers and JAM to help further their careers.
"I feel that it is essential to give new composers performance opportunities at the highest level... The John Armitage Memorial does this."
Nicholas Cleobury - conductor