A collection of two folders of programmes from Bedford, from 1926 to 1990. The collection is divided into two parts: programmes from Bedford Corn Exchange and programmes from other venues in Bedford.

Corn Exchange:
The majority of programmes from the Corn Exchange are from the 1940s. These are largely from concerts given by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, whose main residence became the Corn Exchange during World War Two. The two main concert series represented by the orchestra were the "Lunch-time Concerts" and the "BBC Symphony Concerts". In addition, there are a few programmes from the series "Music of our Time". The programmes from this series represent both the Corn Exchange and Bedford School, and date from the 1940s. Various BBC ensembles are represented by the programmes, including the BBC Symphony Orchestra and BBC Chorus.

Other Bedford venues:
There are significant amount of programmes from concerts given in schools. There are programmes from the following venues: Bedford High School; Bedford Modern School; Bedford School, Hall; Bowen West Theatre; Girls' Modern School; St. Paul's Church. The collection also includes a number of programmes from concerts organised by the Bedford Music Club from the 1920s.

1926 - 1992

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Not Specific

• BBC Chorus -
• BBC Symphony Concerts -
• BBC Symphony Orchestra -
• Bedford Music Club -
• Lunch-hour Concerts (BBC Symphony Orchestra, Bedford) -
• Music of our Time (Bedford) -

• Bedford High School: Hall
• Bedford Modern School
• Bedford School Hall
• Corn Exchange, Bedford
• Girls' Modern School, Bedford
• St. Paul's Church, Bedford

• 20th century - early 1900-1930
• 20th century - late 1971-1999
• 20th century - mid 1931-1970
• World War II 1939-45

Centre for Performance History Prince Consort Road London London SW7 2BS United Kingdom

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cph@rcm.ac.uk

020 7 589 4340

020 7 589 7740 

Mon-Fri by appointment

During the course of 2008 a new facility providing collection storage space, reader facilities and office space will created for the Centre for Performance History at College Hall, the site of the RCM's Hall of Residence in London W12. This will eventually offer improved access to researchers, and provide the collection with a secure and stable environment, all in one place. In order that the relevant parts of the collection can be packed and prepared for the move, and then re-shelved at the new facility as expeditiously as possible, all facilities and services (including photographic services and access to the programmes collection) of the Centre for Performance History are suspended until 12 January 2009. The Museum of Instruments will continue to operate a full service (including public opening during the summer vacation) throughout this period. We apologize for the inevitable inconvenience that this closure will cause to colleagues, students, researchers and members of the public, but believe that the improvements that will result will benefit the long-term preservation of the collections and will provide enhanced access to them for all users.