A pivotal moment in the evolution of MOMH
Yesterday evening, the Museum of Music History (MOMH) celebrated a pivotal moment in its evolution with an event marking the appointments of Dr. Kate Kennedy as General Manager and Dr. Alice Little as Curator. The evening brought together an illustrious gathering of musicians, trustees, and supporters to launch Kennedy’s new book, Cello: A Journey Through Silence to Sound, alongside a reception and exhibition that showcased MOMH’s forward-looking vision.
Among the notable attendees were cellist Julian Lloyd Webber and composer John Rutter together with MOMH trustees Teresa Cahill, Lindsay Stainton, Adrian Bradbury, and Nick Roberts. Each played a key role in supporting MOMH’s mission to preserve and celebrate music’s history while engaging with its future.
Celebrating the Cello’s Legacy
Kate Kennedy, an accomplished educator, broadcaster and writer, opened the evening with remarks on her latest book, Cello: A Journey Through Silence to Sound. Kennedy’s leadership at MOMH reflects its vision to make music history accessible and relevant to modern audiences, a theme echoed throughout the evening.
Alice Little, appointed earlier this year, curated an intimate exhibition celebrating Beatrice Harrison, one of Britain’s most iconic cellists. The exhibition featured original photographs and artifacts from Harrison’s career, including from her groundbreaking BBC Nightingale Broadcasts. Little’s display offered guests a vivid glimpse into Harrison’s artistry and her pioneering collaborations with nature, contextualizing her significance within the broader history of the cello.
A Vision for the Future: The ARME Project
The evening also highlighted MOMH’s forward-thinking approach with a live performance by ARME (Augmented Reality Music Ensemble) including trustees Adrian Bradbury and Nick Roberts, both distinguished cellists. Their programme demonstrated MOMH’s commitment to blending historical preservation with technological innovation.
The ARME project explores the use of augmented reality technology to create virtual ensemble practice environments, allowing musicians to rehearse alongside virtual performers that dynamically adjust to real-time interactions. Bradbury and Roberts used the technology to simulate these interactions, offering guests a glimpse into how augmented reality could revolutionize ensemble performance and practice. The performance underscored MOMH’s dedication to embracing technological advancements to enhance musical collaboration and accessibility.
Trustee perspectives
Trustees Teresa Cahill and Lindsay Stainton joined the celebrations, adding their perspectives to the evening. Cahill, a renowned soprano, reflected on the cello’s ability to evoke the human voice, while Stainton, an art historian, highlighted the museum’s commitment to cultural preservation. Their presence underscored MOMH’s unique blend of musical and historical expertise, which continues to guide its mission.
Bridging Past and Future
Guests at the reception explored Little’s exhibition which complemented Kennedy’s book and the ARME demonstration, weaving together historical and contemporary themes. The evening illustrated MOMH’s unique ability to honour music’s past while actively engaging with its future.
Kennedy’s and Little’s appointments mark a turning point for MOMH as it seeks to expand its role as a center for music history, education, and innovation. Under Kennedy’s leadership, MOMH is developing programmes and exhibitions that resonate with modern audiences while staying true to its mission of preserving music’s rich legacy. Little’s expertise in curation ensures that MOMH’s displays remain dynamic and engaging, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation.
A New Chapter
Although sadly unable to be present himself, MOMH’s Chair Mark Bromley commented “The event captured the essence of MOMH’s mission: to celebrate music’s past while exploring its future. Kate’s insightful book, Alice’s thoughtfully curated exhibition, and the ARME-inspired performance by Adrian and Nick showcased the museum’s forward-looking ethos. With this leadership team and the support of its trustees, MOMH is poised to continue inspiring audiences and shaping the conversation around music’s evolving role in our cultural heritage.”