Music Patron’s evolution into independent organisation

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Today, we announce a major milestone in the evolution of Music Patron as it transitions to an independent organisation, following a successful period of incubation within our organisation.

Founded in 2021 by philanthropist Anthony Bolton and developed in partnership with Sound and Music, Music Patron was conceived to address a long-standing challenge in the UK music sector: how to support composers sustainably while deepening public connection to new music. Since its public launch, Music Patron has demonstrated a powerful new model of collective philanthropy – patronage reimagined for the 21st century – connecting music lovers directly with living composers and enabling creative risk-taking, artistic freedom and long-term cultural impact.

Music Patron’s transition to independence builds on the announcement in July 2025 of Augusta Quiney’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer, and reflects the organisation’s readiness to scale its impact nationally as a standalone entity.

Will Dutta, Sound and Music Chief Executive © Ian Wallman, University of Oxford

Dr Will Dutta, Chief Executive of Sound and Music, said:

“Music Patron is a clear example of what’s possible when bold ideas are nurtured with creative governance and ambition. Supporting its journey from concept to independent organisation reflects Sound and Music’s commitment to innovation, sector leadership and building new models that strengthen the future of music creation in the UK. We’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved together and excited to see Music Patron flourish in its next chapter.”

Augusta Quiney, Chief Executive of Music Patron, said:

“Becoming an independent organisation marks a pivotal moment for Music Patron. We’re ready to scale, building on a proven model: music lovers who become patrons, composers who have more freedom to create, and an enriched community growing around both. If you love music and want to play an active part in its future, Music Patron is the natural home for you and we’d love you to join us.”

Anthony Bolton, Founder of Music Patron, said:

“Music Patron brings one of the oldest ideas in music into the modern world – the idea that composers need people who believe in them. By making patronage possible for everyone, not just the very wealthy, it changes what new music can be. I’m enormously grateful to Sound and Music for helping bring this to life, and thrilled to see it ready to stand on its own.”

Since its first cohort joined in 2022, Music Patron has grown to support 25 composers through a community of over 100 patrons. In the last year alone, music by Music Patron-supported composers has been performed at 165 events across 81 cities in nine countries, reaching an estimated audience of 70,000 people, including 29 world premieres of new work. The model is proven and the ambition now is scale. Composers and patrons alike speak to its success.

Composer Jo Quail, said:

“The biggest thing for me is I’m not on my own. Having these beautiful people with me is beyond something I ever thought was possible. Everything I put out is as much to do with them as it is to do with my creativity. It’s a massive team effort.”

One of her patrons, Jock Downie, added:

“It connects me in a unique way – like a secret peek behind the curtain of creativity. To be able to support one of my favourite artists, even in a small way, and to think my contribution might mean more music is made – that’s just the coolest thing in the world.”

The transition also represents a success story for cultural incubation. As public funders and government policy increasingly emphasise innovation, resilience and access within the creative industries, Music Patron stands as an example of how established cultural organisations like ours can incubate new ideas that respond to evolving sector, cultural and consumer needs.

We will continue to work collaboratively with Music Patron as aligned organisations, united by a shared commitment to supporting composers, broadening access to new music, and ensuring the UK remains a world leader in musical innovation.