In 2009 the society was selected by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust to take part in it's recital scheme. The Trust was formed by Lady Munster in 1958 with the principal purpose of assisting outstanding young musicians to achieve their full potential by assisting with the cost of their studies. For the last 51 years, the Trust has continued to provide valuable support for a large number of students each year, now with a focus on postgraduate study. Funding in the form of interest-free loans is also provided for instrument purchase to existing beneficiaries of the Trust. This is in recognition of the problem that faces so many young musicians who, following their years of studentship, have no capital resources to equip themselves with the quality of instrument vital to the advancement of their careers. The Countess of Munster, who devoted her life to music and who was herself a pianist of considerable talent, thus put onto an enduring basis her desire to help young musicians achieve their full potential towards securing careers as performers. Lady Munster's generous endowment, from which the Trust's annual income is derived, currently provides assistance to young musicians amounting to over £250,000 each year. Lady Munster died in November 1979, but her Trust has continued to flourish as a permanent memorial to a great musical benefactress. It has helped many young musicians with their advanced training to achieve their potential despite ever-growing competition within the musical profession, and each one is well aware of the tremendous debt they owe to the generosity and inspiration of Hilary, Countess of Munster.
In the main, the income of the Trust is used to support the cost of studies and/or maintenance of outstanding postgraduate or post diploma students who merit further training at home or abroad. Awards are made for one year at a time, but are renewable. They are based on ability and individual need and are made to selected applicants after interview and audition.
The Recital Scheme was launched in 1976 and provides professional performance opportunities to a wider musical public for the most outstanding of the Trust’s beneficiaries who have been deemed worthy of considerable financial support and are, in the Trustees’ opinion, on the threshold of first-class careers on the concert platform. This is done by offering sponsorship to a number of young artists each year at selected music clubs, choral and orchestral societies and festivals around the country. Artists for the Recital Scheme are chosen during auditions for postgraduate study awards each year. Clearly our acceptance on the list is a feather in RMS cap - not just opportunity for artists, but also a chance for us to enjoy the cream of young talent at a subsidised rate.