International Percy Grainger Society's New Strategic Plan

The International Percy Grainger Society (“IPGS") is pleased to announce it has received a $4,850 grant from the Museum Association of New York. These funds will support a strategic planning process including discussions with the Board of Trustees, members of the society, and wider community. “We are so pleased to have the support of the Museum Association for this much-needed project," noted Barry Peter Ould, president of the IPGS board, “This will allow us to have added focus and direction, and include the voices of many as IPGS carries out its mission.” Mr. Ould, of Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is a music publisher, and an Internationally known expert on the music of Percy Grainger.

Percy Grainger was born July 1882 in Brighton, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He was a composer, arranger and pianist who made his home in White Plains, New York from 1921 until his death in White Plains hospital in February 1961. In the course of a long and innovative career, he was one of the twentieth century’s greatest pianists as well as a composer and arranger of classical music. A serious collector of British folk music, and music from such far flung places as Rarotonga with the aid of an Edison phonograph cylinder recorder, he would later use these collections to form the basis of some of his unique compositions. In later in life he spent time on the construction of experimental music machines which he hoped would be capable of producing the sounds he had heard in his head from the age of 10. The music with which he is most generally associated are his piano arrangements of folk and traditional tunes, particularly, “Country Gardens” and “Molly on the Shore”. He also popularized the melody of ‘Irish Tune from County Derry” which is now commonly known under the name of “Danny Boy”.

The International Percy Grainger Society was in founded shortly after the death of its namesake. The IPGS maintains Grainger’s home at 7 Cromwell Place much as it looked during his lifetime and the residence continues to function as a repository of Grainger scores, manuscripts and memorabilia. The society maintains contact information and communicates with a worldwide membership of Grainger aficionados. In addition, there is a steady stream of research inquires by phone, email and letter, and a vast audience of non-member music lovers, listeners and concert attendees. Grainger’s music is still widely played by ensembles all over the world; he is well respected and beloved by conductors – particularly band directors - and musicians alike.

The home at 7 Cromwell Place is open to public visits, generally families or small groups. “We are hoping that the organization can move forward in a way to serve the community better,” continued Mr. Ould, "This plan is certainly a step in that direction. We are very grateful for this support from the Museum Association.”

The Museum Association of New York (MANY) strengthens the capacity of New York State’s cultural community by supporting high professional standards, strong organizational development, and by providing advocacy, training and flexible information networks so that all may better serve their missions and communities. The association assists museum’s with issues concerning good governance, standards attainment, transparency, accountability, and leadership. They are focused on delivering innovative education and training opportunities, timely and trusted information, and advocacy of the highest quality, and by facilitating flexible communications networks that encourage information and resource sharing.