The Michael Cuddigan Trust was set up in 2014 by Anne Cuddigan in memory of her husband Michael, a long-time Aldeburgh resident who was passionate about music, and a great supporter of young composers and performers. Anne was herself a great supporter of young musicians, particularly through Britten Pears Arts’ Young Artists programmes.

The Trust was established to support the composition and performance of new vocal chamber music. Since 2014, it has supported a small number of new works by emerging composers each year, and performances of these pieces by top musicians in the field.

From its inception, the Trust was chaired by Sir Stephen Oliver, who died in 2024. He had a distinguished career in the law, first at the tax bar and then, from 1991–2011, as a judge.

A keen amateur cellist, Stephen involved himself in a number of music-related charities. He was chair of the Blackheath Concert Halls charity from 1986–1992; a member of the board of the London Sinfonietta from 1992–2017; and a trustee of the Britten Pears Foundation from 2001–2008.

In memory and celebration of Stephen Oliver, the Michael Cuddigan Trust was renamed the Cuddigan Oliver Trust in 2024. Anne Cuddigan died the following year, in 2025.

The Trust’s charitable objectives – the funding of new vocal chamber music – remain the same. However, it aims to expand its fundraising remit to support an increasing number of new compositions and to facilitate their performance through partnerships with top orchestras and music-making organisations.

Registered charity: 1158975